If you’ve ever watched a professional football game, you may have noticed that in addition to wearing a helmet, many players also wear a mouthguard. These oral appliances serve to protect an athlete’s teeth from injury. They’re not exclusive to football; you’ll see them used in various sports and martial arts.
Some schools, leagues, and organizations require that their participants wear them as a safety measure, especially for children and young adults. If you’re wondering whether your child needs one for their after-school activities, keep reading to learn more about mouthguards and when it’s a good idea to have one!
How do Mouthguards Work?
This dental device is worn over your child’s teeth to reduce the impact of contact sports incidents. They’re made from soft plastic or laminate materials that absorb the force of any injuries to their face. Wearing one can shield their teeth from being broken or lost, as well as safeguard their head from concussions from taking a blow to your jaw. As a result, your little one can preserve their teeth, gums, jawbone, and the soft tissues inside their mouth with this basic precaution.
When Does My Child Need a Mouthguard?
Essentially, anyone who is part of a contact sport should wear a mouthguard to keep their pearly whites safe. The American Dental Association specifically recommends them for those who are involved in:
- Acrobatics
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Field Hockey
- Football
- Gymnastics
- Handball
- Ice Hockey
- Lacross
- Martial arts
- Racquetball
- Roller hockey
- Rugby
- Shot putting
- Skateboarding
- Skiing
- Skydiving
- Soccer
- Squash
- Surfing
- Volleyball
- Water polo
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
Even if your child’s school or league doesn’t require them, why not err on the side of caution? If they participate in any of these activities, having one won’t hurt them and could save their grin from potential harm.
How Do I Find a Mouthguard for My Child?
There are several types of mouthguards. Keep in mind that the better it fits, the more protection it provides because it can cushion your little one’s teeth more directly. The three types are:
- Stock mouthguards. These are the most cost-effective and can be found easily at sports goods stores. They’re pre-made, though, so it can be challenging to find one with a good fit.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards. These are also premade but can be modified at home by boiling them until the material is soft enough to mold around your kid’s teeth by biting into them. This is considered the ‘middle ground’ between stock options and those provided by your dentist.
- Custom mouthguards. These generally cost more than the other varieties, but it’s worth the investment. Your child’s dentist will make a professional-grade device based on impressions taken from their teeth, so it fits like a glove. This is the most secure of the three choices.
Now that you know more about mouthguards, you can find the perfect option to keep your little one’s smile safe while they play!
About the Practice
At Castle Rock Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, your child benefits from two board-certified pediatric dentists who provide a wide range of services for still-developing smiles, including mouthguards. They understand that every child’s needs are unique and are committed to providing top-quality care to meet them. They use state-of-the-art technology, like digital imaging, to provide the most accurate dental equipment. Plus, they accept many forms of dental insurance and Medicaid, as well as offer flexible financing so your budget doesn’t keep your kid from receiving the care they deserve. If you’re looking for a quality mouthguard, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (303) 660-5373.
