Are Athletic Mouthguards Necessary for Children?
What Are Athletic Mouthguards?
They are dental appliances that protect teeth during sports activities. Usually, athletic mouthguards are preventive measures that sports persons must take to protect their oral cavities, particularly during high-contact sports. Examples of sporting activities that necessitate athletic mouth protectors are:
- Boxing
- Football
- Wrestling
- Lacrosse
How Do Athletic Mouthguards Work?
Athletic mouthguards are part of the protective gear that athletes wear to the field. The mouth protectors feature a plastic-like material that cushions teeth, preventing dental fractures during sports injuries. Usually, an athletic mouthguard covers the upper teeth. When you wear a mouthguard, it acts as a shock absorber for your teeth and jaw during external impact in your mouth.
Are Mouthguards Really Necessary?
Unless you have suffered dental trauma before, you may not appreciate the role of mouth protectors in dentistry. Mouthguards are necessary for people who engage in risky activities that may threaten their oral health. Usually, without mouthguards, you can suffer the following dental problems:
- Broken jaw
- Lacerations on your gums and inner cheeks
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Injured tongue – when you accidentally bite yourself
- Partially dislodged or knocked out tooth
Do Children Need Athletic Mouthguards?
Not all children participate in sporting activities professionally. However, all kids are playful in nature. Therefore, you can anticipate their involvement in different outdoor activities to keep them physically active. Consider getting mouthguards as soon as your child is grown enough to start walking outside and playing with other kids. At Golnick Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that some parents may feel skeptical about trying something new, which is why we work hard to sensitize them. Some of the reasons you should consider sports mouthguards for kids in Taylor, MI, are:
- Premature loss of baby teeth has several consequences for oral health. Although new teeth will erupt eventually, there is a risk of various orthodontic problems when a child loses baby teeth early. Some problems your child can suffer from include overcrowding, misplaced midline, and uneven spacing.
- It allows your child more freedom to explore different games and activities without fear of severe injury.
- Mouthguards serve a similar role as other protective gear. Mouthguards are to the mouth what knee pads are to the knees.
- You cannot always keep watch of your child when they are outside. Therefore, when you are not watching, you can trust that your child is not in too much danger that would cause permanent damage.
- Early preventive care trains your child to care for their health with intent. Your child will grow up acknowledging the value of being cautious when engaging in risky activities.
Which type of Mouthguard Is the Best for Your Child?
Before considering recommendations from people, visit a dentist near you for a proper prescription for all your dental needs. When it comes to choosing mouthguards, there are three main categories you can get:
- Stock mouthguards – are pre-made mouth protectors, readily available in any sporting goods vendor around you. They are usually a one-size-fit. While this can make them quite ill-filling, it makes them very affordable for patients.
- Boil and bite mouthguards – are alternative mouth protectors that are also readily available over the counter. These mouthguards are also pre-made. The only difference is that they feature a thermoplastic material that changes when you put them in hot water. Therefore, you should put them in hot water before wearing them, then use your finger or tongue to line them well on your teeth.
- Customized mouthguards – are professionally-made mouth protectors designed in a dental laboratory. They fit like a glove since they are created after the impressions of your mouth. Depending on how your dentist designs them, these mouth protectors can serve various roles. Some customized mouth protectors serve as night guards for patients that grind their teeth in their sleep.
Generally, any mouthguard is better than none. However, customized mouthguards are the best protectors for your mouth. They fit perfectly and do not cause any difficulty speaking or breathing. Besides, your dentist can even customize them uniquely for braces. Some patients even get mouthguards for both the lower and upper teeth for extra protection.