Mouthguards for Children: Protection of Jaw Bone and Teeth
There can be many reasons as to why a child may need a mouth guard. From reduced risk of concussion to jaw protection, mouth guards offer many benefits and act as a cushion against teeth impact. Mouth guards also help to prevent other injuries to the neck and jaw. Mouth guards serve as protection against trauma to the surrounding areas.
Mouth guards can be given by a general dentist for a range of reasons. If a child is involved in sports and physical activity, wearing a mouth guard protects their teeth and the surrounding bones from damage and collision impact. There can be excessive damage done to the jaw and neck when a mouth guard is not worn. Mouth guards are an important part of total protection gear for any impact sport. Mouth guards are devices worn over one’s teeth in order to protect the mouth for a variety of reasons.
For children who grind their teeth at night, a mouth guard may be necessary. Grinding one’s teeth can lead to a whole host of side effects such as facial pain, headaches, and earaches. Grinding can also result in pain and stiffness within the jaw. When a child grinds their teeth they may be restless and unable to sleep. The enamel on one’s tooth can become very weak and result in tooth loss if proper measures are not taken to prevent the damage and allow for the enamel to rebuild itself.
When one grinds their teeth, the enamel wears down and causes further pain and bone sensitivity. As a result of weak gums and weak enamel, children may experience dental pain and tooth sensitivity. The most important factor when choosing a mouth guard is to select one that is durable and fits the jawline properly.
There are different types of mouth guards that can be worn. The most effective are mouth guards administered by one’s dentist. If the mouth guard is used as a result of a sporting injury, a dentist may mold one specifically for the child’s teeth and jaw. If the guard is needed as a result of teeth grinding, the child’s dentists may also suggest one from an in-office mold. The types of mouth guards available are endless and vary greatly depending upon the shape, size, and condition of the teeth.
When a mouth guard is not worn during a collision and contact sport for children, the risk of injury is significantly increased. If a collision occurs without a mouth guard, neck and jaw injuries are the most common ailments from the impact. Jaw injuries are when the bones that connect the lower jawbone to the child’s skull are fractured or dislocated. Neck injuries occur when there is forceful and rapid movement to the neck which results in injury and pain. As a result of these statistics, it is very important for children to wear a mouthguard if recommended by their general practitioner and dentist.