Why Your Kids Should Wear Mouthguards For Sport
Mouthguards protect against injury to the teeth, jaw, neck and brain. These injuries don’t discriminate when it comes to age – so ensuring your kid is wearing a mouthguard while playing sport is one of the most effective and safe ways to make sure they are protected from potential accidents.
Here’s our comprehensive guide to kids and mouthguards, including the types of mouthguards available, the types of sports we’d recommend mouthguards use for, and the overall benefits of wearing a mouthguard while playing sport.
WHAT AGES AND SPORTS SHOULD USE MOUTHGUARDS
Generally, kids aged between 8 and 12 are the most affected by lost or damaged teeth while playing amateur or competitive sport. Sports including hockey, basketball, soccer, rugby, football, baseball and lacrosse are common contact sports where mouthguards are recommended – but non-contact activities including mountain biking, rock climbing or skateboarding also provided good opportunities for mouthguard use for protection.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MOUTHGUARDS
Depending on your budget and your child’s sport, there are three types of mouthguards you can purchase.
The first two, pre-formed mouthguards and ‘boil and bite’ mouthguards, are both available at general sport stores.
Pre-formed mouthguards come ready-to-wear and are ‘one size fits all’ in design. These are a good choice if you’re in need of a mouthguard in a short time frame.
‘Boil and bite’ mouthguards are slightly more customisable, as they can be softened in boiling water and then adjusted to fit your child’s teeth.
For maximum comfort and protection, opt for the third option, a custom fit mouthguard. These are made using specialised materials in a dentist’s office, and while they’re more expensive than the other two types, they are comprehensive and more safe and protective.
BENEFITS OF WEARING A MOUTHGUARD WHILE PLAYING SPORT
Above all, the biggest benefit you’ll receive from wearing a mouthguard is protection of your mouth and face in case of injuries while out on the field.
A mouthguard acts as a shock absorber that protects your teeth and jaw from potentially breaking.
While wearing a mouthguard, you’ll also be protected from accidentally biting your lips or tongue when the injury occurs.
Other benefits of wearing a mouthguard include the prevention of neck or brain injuries, and peace of mind to your child that they’ll be protected in case of a freak injury or accident while playing sport.
WHAT MOUTHGUARDS CAN HELP YOU AVOID
Dental injuries are easily prevented (or their impact is lessened) by the use of a mouthguard while playing sport. If they don’t wear a mouthguard, your child could run the risk of:
Teeth dislocation
Nerve injury
Lost teeth
Chipped teeth
Required tooth repositioning or root fracture
All of these injuries require immediate medical attention and can be extremely painful.
PROTECT YOUR TEETH WITH PITT STREET DENTAL
Want to make sure your child is safe and protected during their next game? Here at Pitt Street Dental in Sydney, we’re focused on the prevention of injuries sustained during sport. Our highly trained team provide expert sports dentistry services through custom mouthguard creation to ensure sports players’ mouths are as protected as possible. Book an appointment for a new mouthguard moulding at Pitt Street Dental Centre today.
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The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional personal diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read or seen on the Site.
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