You’re excited that your child is playing sports. They’re making new friends, getting exercise, and having a whole lot of fun. But something is worrying you – your little one’s teeth aren’t protected from injuries. How can you prevent dental emergencies from happening during sports? With a mouthguard custom-made by your dentist in Attleboro. Read on below to learn more about how mouthguards work and why it’s worth the investment to get a personalized one from your child’s dentist.
What Are Mouthguards?
Mouthguards, also known as sports guards, are a device worn over the teeth that protects them from injury during any physical activity. Even if your child isn’t playing a high-contact sport like football, he or she should still wear a mouthguard just in case. Low-impact activities like basketball or swimming still have a chance of hurting the teeth. Mouthguards are typically only worn over the upper teeth. However, if your kid has braces or some other dental work in their lower jaw, your dentist will probably suggest a mouthguard for the bottom teeth as well.
What Are the Most Common Sports-Related Dental Injuries?
Mouthguards are designed to protect against all kinds of dental emergencies, such as:
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Cut lip, tongue, or any soft tissue in the mouth
Is It Worth It to Invest in a Custom-Made Mouthguard?
Simply put, yes. While mouthguards from the pharmacy or sporting goods stores are much cheaper, they typically don’t fit as snugly over the teeth as a custom sports guard would. This means that they will not provide nearly as much protection from injuries as a custom one would. Your child’s dentist will take an impression of their teeth to design the mouthguard with the most individualized fit possible that will protect nearly perfectly against injuries.
How Long Do Mouthguards Last?
Because mouthguards wear down over time, they should typically be replaced after each sports season. This is especially important for children, as their mouths are still developing, and their sports guards need to be changed to fit their growing mouths. Many young athletes get a new custom mouthguard every time they come in for their six-month dental checkup.
As you can see, it’s well worth the investment in getting a professionally made sports guard from your pediatric dentist. The next time your little one has their regular appointment, ask about getting a custom mouthguard made.
About the Practice
At Capron Park Dental in Attleboro, MA, patients are never just a number on a chart. Instead, our talented team of doctors take the time to get to know each person who walks through our doors on a personal level. Drs. William Herr, Andrew Luccio, and Trinh Vo each bring a unique set of skills to the table to help treat our amazing patients. To learn more about how to get a custom mouthguard for your little one, contact us on our website or by calling (508)-222-5950.