When children get involved in certain sports and activities in their community, it makes sense to get them the proper protective gear to stay safe during football, soccer, and hockey. Headgear, knee pads, and goggles may be on the list of protective gear, but what about a mouthguard? A mouthguard is an appliance that is custom-made for a child’s mouth to ensure proper fit and protection against damage and injury to the mouth. Without wearing a mouthguard, children are at risk for cracked or knocked out teeth in certain high-impact sports and activities. A child’s smile should be protected just as the rest of their body, so obtaining a quality mouthguard should be a high priority—even if the child’s coach does not make it mandatory gear.
Who should wear a mouthguard?
Children who are participating in certain sports that increase the risk of impact or injury to the mouth should be wearing a mouthguard to protect their teeth and gums. Common sports that may indicate the need for a mouthguard may include:
- Lacrosse
- Football
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Baseball
- Hockey
- Basketball
Other recreational sports and no-contact activities, including biking, rock climbing, and skateboarding, may also result in damage to the mouth. Children participating in these activities may want to wear a mouthguard as well.
What if my child has orthodontic work?
Braces can also be damaged due to impact to the mouth, so children with braces will also want to seek out the assistance of a dental team to obtain a mouthguard that fits properly. To ensure the best fit and function when patients have orthodontic work, we encourage custom-made mouthguards available at Park View Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. These custom mouthguards will ensure they fit over brackets and wires, protecting orthodontia and the natural smile from damage. In fact, the American Dental Association states that wearing a mouthguard can prevent over 200,000 oral injuries each year!
Are you ready for custom-fit mouthguards for your active children?
Contact the team at Park View Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics today to book a consultation visit with our dentists and get more information regarding mouthguards for high-impact sports and activities. Protect your child’s smile by calling (212) 879-6518.