Whether your child loves shooting hoops on the basketball court or scoring goals on the soccer field, it’s important that they wear the right equipment. After all, something as simple as a knee pad can make all the difference when a rogue ball or accidental elbow comes their way fast. For that same reason, your child should always wear a mouthguard while playing sports, whether it’s a contact or non-contact one. Read on to learn all about how custom-made mouthguards protect their teeth and a few additional sports-related oral health best practices.
So, Does Your Child Really Need to Wear a Mouthguard?
In short, the answer is yes. And there is a very good reason for that: to help prevent dental emergencies. While participating in sports, even a non-contact one, all it takes is one rogue ball that your child isn’t ready for to knock out their teeth. Not only can this be a stressful and sometimes painful experience, but it can prevent your little one from wanting to play in the future. Therefore, it’s better to be safe and make sure they wear their mouthguard each and every time.
Why Custom Mouthguards Are Better Than Store-Bought Alternatives
If your child doesn’t have a mouthguard yet, you may be wondering if you should get one from their dentist or buy one at your nearest sporting goods store. The answer? The former. Custom-made mouthguards are superior for several reasons. To start, they aren’t a choking hazard since they are tailored to the shape of your child’s teeth and gums. Furthermore, they are created specifically to spread out the impact of any force, helping to prevent common dental emergencies, like knocked-out teeth. So, while it may cost a bit more, it’s certainly worth the investment, especially when it comes to something as important as your child’s smile.
5 Additional Sports-Related Oral Hygiene Best Practices
Wearing a mouthguard is an important habit. But, it’s not the only sports-related one they should commit to. To help keep their oral health in pristine condition, encourage them to:
- Clean their mouthguard thoroughly after each use
- Limit their consumption of sports and energy drinks
- Eat plenty of nutrient-dense foods
- Visit their dentist the moment any unusual symptoms arise, like tooth sensitivity
- Avoid unhealthy dental habits, like nail-biting
Participating in a sport, whether it’s golf, soccer, football, or something in between, is a great way for your child to get some exercise and feel a sense of community. Just make sure to protect their smile in the process with a custom-made mouthguard from their dentist!
About the Practice
Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is dedicated to helping kids enjoy healthy and happy smiles throughout their childhood. If your little one actively participates in a sport, then they may need a little extra help protecting their teeth from a serious dental injury. While we’re here to provide emergency care, we want to do our part to help prevent this by offering solutions, like mouthguards. If you are interested in getting a mouthguard for your child or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (860) 224-2419.