Parents, coaches and league commissioners can secure free mouthguards for their young athletes by submitting a request online. The deadline for requests is April 30, 2026, or while supplies last. Orders will be delivered in June, just in time for summer and fall sports.

“Competitive sports are a great way for kids to remain active and healthy, but they also highly increase the risk of dental injuries,” said John Gladden, chairman, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Oklahoma. “We hope our mouthguard program encourages young Oklahomans to protect their smiles during practices and games.”

Mouthguards play a critical role in preventing painful and costly oral injuries. Each year, sports-related dental injuries lead to more than 600,000 emergency room visits in the United States. Athletes who do not wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer a dental injury.

"Dental injuries are not just costly. They can also affect a child's self-confidence, emotional wellbeing and academic performance," said Terrisa Singleton-Smith, director of the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation. "Mouthguards reduce the risk of injury during athletic activities, helping our kids stay safe and protected while playing sports."

Experts recommend that athletes wear mouthguards while participating in contact and non-contact sports ranging from football, basketball, baseball and softball to skateboarding, gymnastics, volleyball and field events.

Delta Dental of Oklahoma will provide youth athletes with microwavable, moldable GAME ON® mouthguards. Accepted by the American Dental Association, these mouthguards offer high-performance impact absorption, are braces-friendly, can be remolded as teeth move, and are available in a variety of styles and sizes.

For more information or to secure a mouthguard today, visit DDOKFoundation.org/mouthguards.