The importance of wearing mouthguards during sports activities to protect against dental injuries.
Having your children participate in sports can be both fun and beneficial to their overall health. However, it also poses some risks, especially when it comes to dental injuries. Whether they’re playing football, basketball, hockey, or any other contact sport, dental injuries can occur at any moment. One way to prevent these injuries is by wearing mouthguards.
Mouthguards are dental appliances designed to protect teeth, gums, lips, and tongue from injury during sports activities. They are usually made of a soft, pliable material that is fitted to your teeth to provide maximum protection. Mouthguards come in different types, including stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards, and custom-made mouthguards.
Why Should Your Child Wear a Mouthguard?
It is crucial to wear a mouthguard during sports activities because dental injuries can occur in a split second. Here are some of the reasons why mouthguards are essential:
1. Save Their Teeth from Fractures and Chips
Sports activities can involve physical contact with other players, balls, and equipment. A sudden impact can cause teeth to fracture or chip. A mouthguard can absorb the impact and protect their teeth from such injuries.
2. Save Their Teeth, Period!
A mouthguard can also prevent tooth displacement and loss. During sports activities, a direct blow to the face can cause a tooth to be knocked out or moved out of position. A mouthguard can help keep their teeth in their proper place and prevent them from being knocked out.
3. Protect Their Soft Tissues
Sports activities can also cause soft tissue injuries to lips, cheeks, and tongue. A mouthguard can help prevent these injuries by cushioning the impact of a blow to the face.
4. Protect Their Brain
Research has shown that wearing a mouthguard can help prevent concussions. A mouthguard can absorb the shock of a blow to the face, reducing the impact on their brain.
5. Cost-Effective Solution
A mouthguard is a cost-effective solution to prevent dental injuries. Compared to the cost of dental treatment for a fractured or knocked-out tooth, a mouthguard is an affordable investment.
6. Up Their Game
Wearing a mouthguard can also improve performance in sports activities. It can help your child breathe better and reduce jaw clenching, which can improve their endurance and focus.
How Do I Choose a Mouthguard?
When it comes to choosing the right type of mouthguard, there are a few things to consider:
The Sport:
Different sports have different levels of contact and impact, and therefore require different types of mouthguards. For example, a sport like football, which involves a high level of contact, may require a thicker and more protective mouthguard than a sport like tennis, which involves less contact.
Comfort:
A mouthguard that is uncomfortable to wear may cause distraction or discomfort during the activity, which could affect performance. It is important to choose a mouthguard that fits well and feels comfortable to wear.
Fit:
A properly fitted mouthguard will provide better protection than a poorly fitted one. A mouthguard that is too loose may not stay in place, while a mouthguard that is too tight may cause discomfort or difficulty breathing.
Age:
Mouthguards are available in different sizes and shapes to accommodate different age groups. It is important to choose a mouthguard that is appropriate for the age of the person wearing it.
Budget:
The cost of a mouthguard can vary depending on the type and quality. While custom-made mouthguards may provide the best protection and comfort, they can be more expensive than stock or boil-and-bite mouthguards.
Based on these considerations, the type of mouthguard that is most appropriate for your child will depend on their individual needs and preferences.
Are All Mouthguards Created Equal?
When it comes to mouthguards for football or other activities, there are different types available. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of mouthguards:
Stock Mouthguards
Stock mouthguards are pre-made and ready to wear, and available in different sizes. They are inexpensive but not very effective in providing protection because they do not fit well and can be uncomfortable.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are designed to be customized by boiling them in water and then biting into them to create a mold of your teeth. They are more comfortable than stock mouthguards and provide better protection.
Custom-Made Mouthguards
Custom-made mouthguards are the best option when it comes to protection and comfort. They are made by a dentist who takes an impression of your teeth and creates a customized mouthguard that fits perfectly. They provide the best protection and comfort, but are more expensive than stock or boil-and-bite mouthguards.
In general, if your children are participating in a high-contact sport or have had previous dental issues, a custom-made mouthguard may be the best option for them. If your child is participating in a lower-contact sport or you have a limited budget, a boil-and-bite mouthguard may be a good choice. Stock mouthguards may be appropriate for younger children or for individuals who only participate in occasional low-contact sports.
Ultimately, the most important factor is to choose a mouthguard that fits well and feels comfortable to wear. A well-fitted mouthguard will provide the best protection and will be more likely to be worn consistently.
How Can Castle Creek Help?
Mouthguards are a vital piece of equipment when it comes to protecting your child’s teeth and mouth during sports activities. They provide a cost-effective solution to prevent dental injuries and can also improve your child’s performance.
If your child is participating in sports or other physical activities, make sure to invest in a mouthguard today and keep their teeth and mouth safe during sports activities. The dental team at Castle Creek can help you decide which type of guard to use and where to buy a mouthguard near you. And if the worst happens and your child is injured in sports, with or without a mouthguard, don’t worry! Castle Creek is equipped to handle all kinds of dental emergencies. Book an appointment immediately so we can get them taken care of and back on the field.