Blog
Kids and sports go together like peanut butter and jelly; not only does a child get healthy exercise, they also learn about teamwork and accountability. Sports can also be a burdensome worry for the parents of the players who may fear that their child may sprain an arm or chip a tooth. One of the best ways in preventing tooth-related injuries is to give your child an athletic mouthguard before they hit the field or court.
The plastic device worn over your child’s teeth can help prevent any trauma to the teeth, lips, cheeks, and gums. These appliances are heavily praised by the American Dental Association (ADA) for their ability to protect teeth and soft tissue. The plastic helps to dissolve and distribute any force to the child’s mouth, which can minimize any damage.
There are different types of mouthguards available for purchase. There are the very lowest tier “stock” guards found at your neighborhood retail chain, or sporting goods store. These work better than nothing, and do come in various sizes, but often to not fit properly. Boil and Bite guards are better than the stock kind, but you must take an extra step to warm up the material and have your child bite down on it, in order to shape it. A custom fitted mouthguard can be created during a trip to the dentist where an impression will be formed to ensure a proper fit and comfort, and is the most preferable out of all three options.
While prices on these guards can vary, it is important that your child has something as opposed to nothing when on the court or the field. An athlete is 60% more likely to damage their teeth when not wearing mouth protection, which can run up the bill later or cause permanent damage if severe. If your child does sustain an injury, it is important to take them to a dentist right away, not after the game.
