Why Is Wearing a Mouthguard So Important?

Does your child like to participate in sports during their free time? This is great for their mental and physical health. After all, getting plenty of exercise is crucial for good overall wellbeing. However, playing contact sports can increase their risk of experiencing a dental injury. This doesn’t mean that they need to refrain from these activities out of fear. That’s why mouthguards are available from their dentist. Continue reading to learn more about sports related injuries and how mouthguards can help.

How Common Are Sports Related Dental Injuries?

It’s estimated that about 36% of injuries to children and adolescence are a result of playing sports. Out of those, anywhere from 10-20% are dental injuries according to the American Dental Association (ADA). The National Youth Sports Foundation reports at an athlete is about 60 times more likely to end up with damage to the teeth when they aren’t wearing a protective mouthguard. In the end, if your child isn’t protecting their smile with a mouthguard, they could easily end up with a dental emergency on their hands.

When Should Your Child Wear a Mouthguard?

Fortunately, dental injuries can often times be easily prevent with the use of a mouthguard. The ADA recommends that people should wear mouthguards when playing any of the following sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Boxing
• Football
• Lacrosse
• Martial Arts
• Skateboarding
• Soccer
• Wrestling

What Types of Mouthguards Are Available?

There are three main types of mouthguards that are available to purchase, but they aren’t all made equally:

• Stock Mouthguards: This type of mouthguard is the most widely available and affordable. They come in several different sizes and usually fit over your top teeth. However, since there are limited size options, they are uncomfortable and don’t usually offer a tight, protective fit.
• Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: You can find this type of mouthguard at drugstore, and they are also relatively inexpensive. It must be boiled until it becomes soft. Next your child bites down on it to form the shape of their mouth.
• Custom Mouthguard: The best option when it comes to mouthguards is to have a custom one made by your children’s dentist. They provide a much better fit than both stock and boil-and-bite mouthguards. This makes them more comfortable and harder to accidentally dislodge.

Instead of leaving the wellbeing of your child’s smile to fate, ask their dentist about custom mouthguards. This way, they can keep their smile safe while they are out on the field.

About the Author

Dr. Weston Jones is an experienced dentist who has been working in the dental field for well over a decade. He earned his dental doctorate from Case Western Reserve School of Dentistry. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. To learn more about custom mouthguards or to schedule an appointment at his office in Midland, visit his website or call (432) 520-5437.