Mouthguards Save Smiles!
As we begin signing out of summer camp and into after-school activities and sports, it’s important we take the time to focus on what’s important—our children’s smiles! It’s possible to avoid thousands of dollars in dental repair work by simply wearing a mouth guard. If that isn’t reason enough, did you know athletes who do not wear mouth guards are sixty times more likely to have a dental injury? Yikes.
Benefits of Wearing a Mouth Guard:
- Mouth guards are designed to absorb the impact and act as a barrier between the teeth and soft tissue. This reduces the number of cuts to lips and gums and prevents chipped or broken teeth.
- Mouth guards can protect against damaging expensive braces or orthodontic work. Suffering a blow to the mouth while wearing braces can not only cause extreme discomfort for your child by cutting and tearing the lips and soft tissue but can actually damage the brackets and wires as well.
- Mouth guards are just as unique as your child! Not only are there multiple types of mouth guards, but they can also be custom made to ensure proper fit and comfort.
- Over the Counter or Stock mouth guards are the least recommended by professionals because of their lack of protection and bulk manner. Because they are created in a “one-size-fits-all” fashion, they are known for causing breathing issues during sports activity for wearers.
- Boil and Bite mouth guards are considered semi-custom. They are designed at home by dropping the mouth guard in boiling water and creating a mold yourself. This type is known for losing its shape rather quickly and most children complain of the foul taste it gives.
- Custom-fitted is the most recommended by orthodontists and pediatric dentists. Not only do they offer the best form of protection, but they are the most comfortable for your child as well. A mouth guard is only effective if the child wears it!
Taking Care of Your Mouth Guard:
- Most mouth guards come with a protective case to store it when not in use. This can protect it from tearing, losing shape, and attracting bacteria.
- It is crucial to keep mouth guards sanitized. While it is highly recommended to rinse the mouth guard before and after each use, it’s also suggested to use a toothbrush and toothpaste to ensure proper cleaning.
- Due to the material mouth guards are made out of, it’s imperative they are not left in hot water or in the hot sun for too long. This can cause the mouth guard to lose its shape, rendering it ineffective.
No matter if the sport your child enjoys is non-contact or contact, it’s recommended they wear a mouth guard. The benefits greatly outweigh the costs of not protecting your child’s mouth.
If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric dentists to custom fit your child for a mouth guard, call us at 201-871-3556 or click here to connect online!
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