Do Kids Really Need Mouthguards?
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Do Kids Really Need Mouthguards?

School has begun and with it comes the onslaught of homework, after-school activities and sports. As a parent you do your best to make sure your child has everything they need to be successful. The health and safety of your child is a top priority, but did you know you may be overlooking one of the leading causes of injuries to school age children? Over 3 million students suffer each year from mouth and dental related injuries in sports and activities- many of which could have been prevented by wearing a mouthguard.

If your child plays any kind of sport or participates in recreational activities, you are already aware of the protective gear they wear for play. For example, football players wear cleated shoes, body padding, and helmets, but many do not wear mouthguards. Mouthguards are not required for every sport so it can be easy to forget or let it slide. But don’t assume hockey is the only sport with the potential for knocked out teeth!

Your Dentist of Gardena office wants you to know how to best protect your family and the smiles you love most. Here are the important facts to know when it comes to kids and mouthguards.

Who Should Wear a Mouthguard?

Does every child need to wear a mouthguard for every sport or activity? Not necessarily. Mouthguards are definitely recommended for kids who play high contact sports. These sports include:

However, these sports are not the only time kids should be protecting their teeth and mouths. If your child participates in a high intensity recreational activity like mountain or dirt biking, skateboarding, ice skating or boxing they can also benefit from wearing a mouthguard.

Think about it in simple terms- if you can imagine your child being hit in the face or falling down on their face or head, it’s worth it to wear a mouthguard.

What Could Happen if My Child Doesn’t Wear a Mouthguard?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry estimates that sports accidents account for nearly 40 percent of all dental injuries in children, and dental injuries are the most common type of orofacial injuries sustained by kids during sports. Many community and school sports teams require players to wear mouthguards, but many don’t. Facial injuries can happen at any time, during any activity, so it is recommended that kids wear mouthguards even for low or no-contact sports.

Athletes are 60 times more likely to sustain injuries to their mouth when playing sports if they are not wearing a mouthguard. Dental and mouth injuries can result in permanent damage that can affect oral structures and require severe medical intervention. Many of these injuries can be prevented by simply wearing a mouthguard.

What Types of Mouthguards Are available?

There are multiple types of mouthguards available for kids. Each offers different benefits and may be more appropriate for specific applications.

Stock

These mouthguards are preformed and ready-to-wear. They are readily available at sporting goods stores and pharmacies. These mouthguards are the most economical option, so it is easy to have multiple guards for different activities or children. Because these mouthguards are a single size and pre-formed, they may not be comfortable for all wearers. Some wearers also find talking to be more difficult if the mouthguard is bulky in the mouth.

Mouth-Formed

A mouth-formed mouthguard is fitted to your child’s mouth and teeth. Sometimes called boil-and-bite, these mouthguards are softened in hot water and then bitten by the wearer to mold them into shape. These mouthguards are also easy to find at sporting goods stores and pharmacies but may cost a bit more. They are typically more comfortable than a stock mouthguard because they are formed to the mouth of the wearer. This also typically makes it easier to talk while wearing.

Custom Fitted

The best option for mouthguards is a custom fitted piece made by your dentist. A dental technician will work to fit the mouthguard to the dental structures of your child’s mouth making it a perfect fit. Custom fitted mouthguards are usually slimmer and sleeker, making it easier to talk when in place and less noticeable to others. The material of custom fitted mouthguards is a higher quality that won’t wear down over short periods of time. These mouthguards prove to be the most comfortable and easiest to wear for long periods of time.

If you are unsure about which type of mouthguard your child should be wearing, please contact our office. Our helpful staff is happy to discuss all your dental care needs to make sure you have the knowledge to best protect your family.

Are Mouthguards Absolutely Necessary for Kids Sports?

Yes! Mouthguards are the safety equipment for your child’s mouth and teeth. They provide protection against injury and decrease the chance of lasting damage to your child’s teeth. Remember that broken and damaged teeth don’t grow back. Damage to teeth can often be permanent, painful, and expensive.

It may be difficult to convince some kids to wear a mouthguard at first. If you find you are having trouble convincing your child of the necessity of a mouthguard just make an appointment with Dentist of Gardena. We would be happy to talk with your child about why a mouthguard is a necessary piece of equipment.

At Dentist of Gardena our goal is to make you and your child’s dental care as happy and comfortable as possible. We want to help you keep your family’s smiles beautiful and safe for years to come.

Does your child need a custom-fitted mouthguard for all their sports and activities? Just call the Dentist of Gardena team at (424) 321-7470 to set up an appointment today!