Oklahoma's Own Focus on Kids: Free mouthguards available for young athletes

Free mouthguards are available for Oklahoma kids who compete in sports.

Wednesday, April 23rd 2025, 2:54 pm

By: Craig Day

TULSA, Okla. -

Kids across Oklahoma are already busy with Spring sports, like soccer, baseball and softball. Delta Dental of Oklahoma wants to help prevent oral injuries for young athletes.

FREE SPORTS MOUTHGUARDS AVAILABLE:

Up to 40% of dental injuries in children happen during sporting events. As part of Youth Sports Safety Month, parents and coaches of young athletes can order free mouthguards from the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation. The group gave away nearly 58,000 mouthguards across the state in 2024. Requests can be submitted through the end of April, or until supplies run out.

"Every year, thousands of children suffer from oral injuries like tooth loss and soft-tissue damage while practicing or playing youth sports. Wearing a mouthguard can help prevent these injuries," said John Gladden, chairman, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Oklahoma.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:

Anyone under 18.
Participants in any sport.

HOW TO GET ONE:

Requests must be submitted online
DDOKFoundation.org/mouthguards

Craig Day

Craig Day anchors the 5, 6 & 10 o’clock newscasts at News On 6. He’s an Emmy and national Edward R. Murrow award winner, whose work has also been recognized with awards by several other journalism groups, including the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalism, Oklahoma Associated Press, and broadcasting associations in Louisiana and Texas, including reporter and story of the year when he worked in Shreveport, Louisiana.