If your child is an athlete, you likely already know the physical toll their sport of choice can take on their body. Between the muscle aches, bumps and bruises, and even the exhaustion after a game well-played, it’s important that they protect themselves with proper technique, stretching, and adequate rest. Here’s why a professional mouthguard from their dentist should be part of their safety checklist, too!
The Stats
According to studies, children who don’t wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports are a staggering 60 times more likely to suffer a dental injury, including knocked out, broken, chipped, or cracked teeth!
The Sports
While some leagues have begun requiring children to wear a mouthguard while playing games and during practice, unfortunately this is not always enforced and does not apply to every sport. However, just because this practice isn’t mandatory across the board doesn’t mean you should leave your child’s smile unprotected. If they play any of the following sports, the American Dental Association recommends that you keep their teeth and gums shielded from injury with the help of a mouthguard:
- Martial arts
- Acrobatics / gymnastics
- Football
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Hockey / roller hockey / field hockey
- Lacrosse
- Racquetball
- Volleyball
- Rollerblading, skating, or roller derby
- Surfing
- Squash
- Skiing
- Weightlifting
- Boxing
- Wrestling
- Handball
- Pickleball
- Rugby
- Water polo
- Skydiving
- Skateboarding
Which Type of Mouthguard Should We Choose?
Although there are plenty of different mouthguards available at sporting goods stores, big box retailers, and online, the best type for your child is a custom-made mouthguard from their dentist. These are custom crafted to their exact measurements, and unlike those boil-and-bite appliances available at retail, are more comfortable and easy to use, so your child is more likely to wear them when necessary. Better still, because their device will be made specifically for them, it will be easier for them to put it on and take it off without frustration, so they are less likely to damage their teeth or their appliance during use.
To learn more about professional mouthguards and to have one made for your child, schedule a consultation with their dentist today, so they can have a safe, healthy smile while they excel at their sport of choice!
About Our Practice
At Kids Dentistry of Chesterfield, Dr. Sedighi and Dr. Martin want to protect your child’s teeth and gums both on and off the field. If your athlete plays a contact sport and you’d like to safeguard their smile against accidental injury, schedule a consultation with us today for a custom mouthguard that keeps their teeth healthy and strong more comfortably and effectively than those OTC devices. To book your appointment, simply visit our website, or call us today at 636-777-7777.