At Sahouria Pediatric Dentistry, we are dedicated to promoting the oral health and safety of our young patients. One way to protect your child’s teeth during sports is by wearing a mouthguard. Mouthguards are essential for preventing dental injuries, especially in contact sports such as football, basketball, and hockey.
According to the American Dental Association, an estimated 200,000 oral injuries are prevented each year by wearing mouthguards. Without proper protection, athletes are at risk of chipping, cracking, or even losing teeth during sports activities. Dental injuries can be painful, costly, and require extensive treatment, including fillings, crowns, and even dental implants.
Mouthguards are designed to absorb the shock of an impact and distribute the force evenly across the teeth, reducing the risk of dental injuries. They can also help to prevent concussions by cushioning the impact of a blow to the head.
There are three types of mouthguards available: stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards, and custom mouthguards. Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and come in a one-size-fits-all design. They are the least expensive option but may not fit well and can be uncomfortable to wear.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are made of a thermoplastic material that softens in boiling water. The athlete then bites down on the mouthguard, allowing it to mold to their teeth for a better fit. They are more expensive than stock mouthguards but are still relatively affordable.
Custom mouthguards are made by our office and they provide the best fit and protection as they are made to the exact specifications of the athlete’s teeth.
While custom mouthguards are the most effective, any type of mouthguard is better than no mouthguard at all. It’s crucial to ensure that the mouthguard fits well and is comfortable to wear. A mouthguard that is too loose can be ineffective and a mouthguard that is too tight can cause discomfort and may even interfere with breathing.
In addition to protecting the teeth, mouthguards can also prevent soft tissue injuries to the lips, cheeks, and tongue. They can also help to reduce the risk of jaw fractures, which can be a severe and painful injury.
It’s essential to remember that mouthguards should be worn during both practices and games. Dental injuries can happen at any time, and it’s crucial to take every precaution to protect your child’s teeth and oral health.
At Sahouria Pediatric Dentistry, we highly recommend that all of our young patients who participate in sports wear a mouthguard. We offer custom mouthguards that are specifically designed to fit your child’s teeth and provide the best possible protection. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help protect your child’s oral health during sports activities.
We look forward to seeing you in our Rohnert Park, California pediatric dental office in beautiful Sonoma County!
