As a parent, ensuring your child’s safety while they engage in their favorite sports activities is always a top priority. While you may be focused on making sure they wear the right helmet, knee pads, or shin guards, there’s one crucial piece of protective gear that often gets overlooked: the mouthguard. At Kaelin Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the vital role that mouthguards play in protecting your child’s teeth and gums during sports. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of mouthguards, how they work, and why every child involved in sports should be wearing one.
Why Are Mouthguards Important for Kids?
Mouthguards are essential protective devices that cushion the teeth and soft tissues inside the mouth from impact. Whether your child is playing contact sports like football, hockey, and basketball, or participating in non-contact sports like gymnastics or skateboarding, mouthguards are a simple and effective way to prevent serious injuries.
Key Benefits of Mouthguards
- Prevents Dental Injuries: The most obvious reason for using a mouthguard is to prevent dental injuries. Sports activities can involve sudden impacts, falls, or collisions, which can lead to broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth. A mouthguard helps absorb and distribute the force of an impact, reducing the likelihood of dental trauma.
- Protects Soft Tissues: When a child is hit in the face or falls, their teeth can cause cuts or injuries to the lips, cheeks, and tongue. A mouthguard acts as a barrier between the teeth and the soft tissues, preventing cuts and bruising.
- Prevents Jaw Injuries: In addition to protecting teeth, mouthguards also help cushion the jaw and prevent fractures. They can absorb the shock of an impact, reducing the risk of jaw injuries or even concussions.
- Reduces the Risk of Tooth Loss: Losing a tooth is not only painful but also costly to treat. By wearing a mouthguard, your child can significantly reduce the risk of losing a tooth, saving you from expensive dental procedures in the future.
- Boosts Confidence: When children feel protected, they’re more likely to play with confidence and enjoy their sports activities. Knowing that their teeth and mouth are safeguarded allows them to focus on the game rather than worrying about potential injuries.
What Sports Require a Mouthguard?
Many parents may assume that mouthguards are only necessary for contact sports like football or boxing. However, injuries can happen in a variety of sports, even those that are non-contact. Here’s a list of sports where mouthguards are highly recommended:
- Football: With regular tackling and physical contact, football is one of the most high-risk sports for dental injuries.
- Basketball: Despite being considered a non-contact sport, basketball players are prone to collisions that can result in dental injuries.
- Soccer: Kicks, headbutts, and falls can lead to mouth injuries in soccer.
- Hockey (Ice or Field): The fast pace and high impact of hockey make mouthguards essential for protecting teeth and jaws.
- Wrestling: Wrestling often involves close contact, increasing the risk of oral injuries.
- Gymnastics: Even though it’s not a contact sport, gymnasts can suffer from falls or accidental collisions that may damage their teeth.
- Skateboarding & Biking: These activities carry a risk of falling, which can result in chipped or broken teeth.
- Baseball & Softball: Flying balls, bats, or collisions with other players can cause significant dental injuries.
IMPORTANT: The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that athletes participating in any of these sports wear a properly fitted mouthguard to protect their teeth and mouth.
What We Offer At Our Practice
Dr. Kaelin has an interest in Sports Dentistry. She has made specialty mouth guards for young athletes just starting on a team to high school competitive athletes to parents participating in adult leagues.
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
We recommend and fabricate in our office a dual laminated guard which is made under high heat and high pressure. Athletes can design their guard and personalize it with a choice of color, design, sticker, or numbers. They are inexpensive, comfortable, and allow the athlete to breathe and talk while playing without the worry that it will fall out. It is a safe and cosmetic choice for athletic equipment.
How to Care for Your Child’s Mouthguard
Just like any piece of sports equipment, a mouthguard needs to be properly cared for to remain effective. Here are some tips to ensure your child’s mouthguard stays in top condition:
- Clean Regularly: Rinse the mouthguard with cold water or mouthwash after each use. You can also clean it with a toothbrush and toothpaste to remove any bacteria or debris.
- Store Properly: Always store the mouthguard in a sturdy, ventilated case to keep it clean and prevent damage. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or hot environments, as this can cause the material to warp.
- Check for Damage: Regularly inspect the mouthguard for any signs of wear and tear. If it becomes damaged or starts to feel uncomfortable, it’s time to replace it.
- Avoid Chewing: Remind your child not to chew on their mouthguard, as this can cause it to lose its shape and effectiveness.
When Should You Replace a Mouthguard?
Mouthguards don’t last forever, especially for growing children. As your child’s teeth and mouth develop, their mouthguard may no longer fit properly, reducing its effectiveness. Consider replacing the mouthguard:
- At the beginning of each sports season
- If it shows signs of wear or damage
- If your child has had recent dental work or their teeth have shifted
Regular dental check-ups with Dr. Kaelin will ensure that your child’s mouthguard remains in good condition and fits correctly.
Protect Your Child’s Smile – Schedule a Mouthguard Fitting Today!
At Kaelin Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to help keep your child’s teeth safe and healthy while they enjoy their favorite sports. Schedule a mouthguard fitting with Dr. Kaelin today (303-242-8810) and give your child the protection they need for a winning smile both on and off the field. Your child’s smile is worth protecting – don’t wait until it’s too late!