Why Mouthguards Are Important For Kids In Sports

As parents, we are ensuring your kids wear helmets, knee pads, and other protective gear while playing contact sports. But what do parents do to protect their child’s teeth from sports-related injuries?

According to the American dental association, over 3 million children suffer from dental injuries while playing sports, and most of these injuries could have been prevented wearing a mouthguard.

Mouthguards help prevention of dental injuries such as broken, chipped or a knocked out tooth. They also offer protection to your child’s face, tongue, and lips and helps in the redistribution of force experienced from a blow to the head.

Who Should Wear Mouthguards?

Children between the ages of 8 and 12 who are actively involved in contact or impact sports such as hockey, basketball, rugby, soccer, lacrosse, and football are generally affected by sports-related dental injuries. A child participating in recreational activities which can cause injuries such as mountain biking, stake boarding, or rock climbing can also benefit from wearing a mouth guard.

If your child enjoys an active lifestyle, consult an experienced Pediatric Dentist in 77098 to know more about protecting your child’s teeth using a mouthguard.

Can My Child Wear a Mouthguard with Braces?

Yes, children who wear braces can also wear a mouthguard. In fact, mouthguards can help to prevent damage to the brackets of your child’s braces and also protect your child’s gum tissues.

Your Pediatric Dentist in Houston will recommend a suitable mouthguard for your child offer the best possible protection to your child and their braces.

Different Types of Mouthguards

• Pre-formed mouthguards or mouth protectors are easily available in most sport goods stores. These come in a single size and are quite economical. However, these can be bulky and makes talking difficult.
• Boil and bite mouthguards also available in most sport goods stores. These are softened using hot water and placed in the mouth to enable them to conform to your child’s dental structure. These are an improved version of the pre-formed mouthguard.
• Custom-fit mouthguards are made by an experienced dentist near you. These are custom made as per your child’s dental structure and can be expensive. However, they offer a lot of comfort and protection.

Consult your Pediatric Dentist Houston, TX for choosing the best mouthguard to protect your child’s teeth while allowing them to maintain their active lifestyle.