Protecting Smiles on the Field
Athletic Mouthguards at Young Dentistry for Children
Participating in sports and physical activities is a wonderful way for children to stay healthy and active. However, these activities also come with the potential for dental injuries. At Young Dentistry for Children, we understand the importance of protecting your child’s smile during play. One of the most effective pieces of equipment we recommend is athletic mouthguards. These simple devices are crucial for preventing injuries and safeguarding your child’s long-term oral health.
Why Athletic Mouthguards Are Essential
Athletic mouthguards aren’t just for high-impact sports. They are vital protective gear for children in any activity where there’s a risk of a blow to the face or mouth. Studies show that a significant percentage of dental injuries in children are sports-related. Wearing an athletic mouthguard can help protect against:
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Injuries to lips, cheeks, and gums
- Fractured jaws
- Potentially reducing the severity of concussions in certain sports
Investing in an athletic mouthguard is investing in your child’s safety and avoiding potentially costly and painful dental emergencies.
How Athletic Mouthguards Provide Protection
An effective athletic mouthguard works by cushioning the impact of a blow to the face or mouth. It helps to distribute the force of the hit over a larger area. This significantly reduces the concentration of force on individual teeth, which might otherwise lead to fractures or avulsion (teeth being knocked out). By absorbing and dispersing energy, mouthguards help protect not only the teeth but also the surrounding soft tissues and even the jawbone.
Choosing the Right Athletic Mouthguard
When it comes to athletic mouthguards, you’ll typically encounter a few main types: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-fitted. Our goal is to help you find the best fit for your child’s protection and comfort.
- Stock Mouthguards: These are pre-formed and inexpensive. However, they often provide a poor fit, can be bulky, and may interfere with breathing and speaking, making them less likely to be worn consistently.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: Made from a thermoplastic material, these are softened in hot water and then shaped in the mouth. They offer a better fit than stock options and are still relatively affordable.
- Custom-Fitted Mouthguards: These are created specifically for your child’s mouth by a dental professional. An impression of your child’s teeth is taken to craft a device that perfectly matches their dental structure.
The Benefits of Custom-Fitted Athletic Mouthguards
While any protection is better than none, our experience as a pediatric dental practice demonstrates that custom-fitted athletic mouthguards offer the highest level of protection and comfort.
- Superior Protection: Because they are precisely molded to your child’s teeth, custom guards are more effective at absorbing and distributing impact forces.
- Optimal Comfort and Stability: A perfect fit means the mouthguard stays securely in place without shifting or feeling bulky. This makes it much more comfortable for your child to wear during practice and games.
- Better Breathing and Communication: Unlike ill-fitting generic guards, custom athletic mouthguards interfere less with breathing and speaking, which is crucial during sports.
- Durability: Custom-fitted guards are typically more durable than their over-the-counter counterparts.
As a trusted dentist Westminster CO families rely on, we recommend custom-fitted athletic mouthguards whenever possible for the best combination of safety, comfort, and peace of mind.
Making Mouthguards Part of the Game Plan
Encouraging your child to wear their athletic mouthguard consistently is key to preventing injuries. You can help integrate mouthguards into their sports routine by:
- Introducing them as soon as they start participating in sports, making it a natural part of their gear.
- Explaining the importance of protection in simple terms they can understand.
- Keeping the mouthguard clean and stored properly so it’s always ready for use.
Prioritize Protection with Athletic Mouthguards
Protecting your child’s developing smile during sports is a critical aspect of pediatric dental care. Athletic mouthguards are a vital tool in preventing injuries that could have lasting effects. As a leading dentist Westminster CO patients trust, we are dedicated to helping young athletes stay safe while they play.
Ready to Get Your Child Fitted for an Athletic Mouthguard?
Don’t wait for an injury to happen. Taking proactive steps like getting a custom-fitted athletic mouthguard can save your child pain and potential dental issues down the road. Contact Young Dentistry for Children today to discuss your child’s needs and schedule an appointment to get them fitted for the best possible protection on the field.
