Question: Does Your Child Participate in Sports?
Popular sports such as soccer, hockey, football, lacrosse, basketball, wrestling and martial arts require safety equipment. And most important of all are dental mouth guards. Mouth guards are highly recommended to be worn when impact, contact and collision are likely to occur. Even when a helmet and face shield are worn, a mouth guard is essential. The sports affected by this definition are extended to gymnastics, boxing, skateboarding, skiing, volleyball, racquetball, surfing, weightlifting, rugby and also recommended for baseball and softball infielders. It’s important to protect your child’s smile for aesthetics as well as health reasons.
Why mouth guards?
According to the American Dental Association, 10-20% of all sports related injuries are maxillofacial injuries. The National Youth Sports Foundation for Safety reports dental injuries as the most common type of orofacial injury sustained during sports participation. An athlete is 60 times more likely to sustain damage to the teeth without a protective mouth guard. Many times these injuries will result in permanent damage requiring medical intervention. The types of dental injuries sustained are chipped or broken teeth, lip and cheek injuries, root damage to the teeth, fractured crowns, fractured jaws, and concussions. Any athlete may be at risk for oral injury and any injury can be prevented with the use of a mouth guard.
What’s the best mouthguard for my child?
The most effective mouth guards are created on an exact model of your child’s teeth. Custom made mouth guards provide the best fit, comfort and the best protection. Commercially available mouth guards are often uncomfortable and do not last long. A mouth guard should fit properly, be durable, easily cleaned, and not restrict speech or breathing. A custom fitted mouth guard is adjusted for comfort and breathing by the pediatric dentist. Your child will be more confident participating in his/her chosen sport and will play better in greater comfort.
Remember that damaged teeth do not grow back. Protect that perfect smile, wear a mouth guard.
