Children need to wear mouthguards to protect their teeth from injuries –especially if they play sports. This doesn’t depend on the level of expertise of your child in a particular sport. Wearing a mouthguard is essential for, in fact, anyone who plays sports because it provides ample protection from sports-related dental injuries. However, not every type of mouthguard provides the same level of protection.
That said, let’s discuss why wearing a mouthguard is important, which sports require them and what types of mouthguards are available today. So let’s get started!
Importance of wearing a mouthguard
Wearing a mouthguard is important for children while playing sports. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), around 25% of dental emergencies are injuries during sports. Teeth are very much at risk around high-speed objects and enthusiastic players. So, in order to keep your teeth safe and protected from impact, it is essential to wear a mouthguard.
Sports that require a mouthguard
Some sports don’t require players to wear mouthguards, while other sports do. For example, if your child plays a contact sport, their teeth are more likely to chip or knock out. So, to prevent such tragedies during sports, it is advisable to wear protection. Sports that require mouthguards are:
- Boxing
- Football
- Hockey
It is better to wear a mouthguard as a preventative measure if your kid plays:
- Wrestling
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Gymnastics
How do mouthguards protect teeth?
Mouthguards are the first line of defense for your teeth when it comes to sports-related dental injuries. Children, as well as adults, should wear this protection on their upper teeth while playing contact sports. A mouthguard works as a protective layer between your teeth and the point of impact. This way, it absorbs the pressure that can otherwise break or chip the player’s teeth.
It is important to note that mouthguards are not supposed to create difficulty talking or breathing. So if your child can’t breathe or talk properly while wearing a mouthguard, know that there is something wrong with it.
Types of mouthguards
There are three types of mouthguards available today.
- Stock mouthguard
- Boil & bite mouthguard
- Custom mouthguard (by the dentist)
These guards are classified as per their level of protection. You can get any of them depending on your special needs.
Pros and cons of each type of mouthguard
Stock mouthguards are the most affordable ones out of them all. However, this type doesn’t offer as much protection as its counterparts. Stock mouthguards are one size fits all, so they won’t be very comfortable to wear.
Bite & boil mouthguards, contrastingly, are better than stock ones in terms of the level of protection and comfort. This mouthguard is made of thermoplastic material, which softens when hot water is applied to them. Once they become soft, children can wear them by biting into them –as the name suggests.
Last but not least, a custom mouthguard is the best type of them all. This is because a custom mouthguard provides a high level of protection while being durable and comfortable. However, this type can be slightly more expensive than its counterparts. Moreover, you will only get them from your dentist.
Final Words
So if you want to have a custom mouthguard for your child, feel free to contact our dentist in Brownsville off Southmost Blvd. Our dentist will take the impressions of your child’s teeth and design a customized mouthguard that fits perfectly. This way, you can enjoy seeing your child play their favorite sports without worrying about those unexpected dental injuries.
