Participation in sports comes with numerous benefits, from weight management to stress relief. Of course, contact and non-contact sports alike come with some risks, like sustaining a dental injury. After all, all it takes is one rogue ball or one accidental elbow to your child’s face for an otherwise great day to result in a stressful trip to your emergency dentist’s office. To learn more about why wearing a mouthguard is crucial, read on!
Here’s Why It’s So Important That Your Child Wears a Mouthguard
Did you know that roughly 5 million teeth are knocked out each year? One of the biggest culprits is sports-related injuries. Perhaps more troubling, only 41% of players use a mouthguard. If your child doesn’t wear theirs, then their teeth and gums are left vulnerable to damage from baseballs, footballs, and the like. The best way to keep their smile in tip-top shape is by encouraging them to wear their mouthguard during practices and games.
Why Custom Mouthguards Are Preferable to Store-Bought Ones
Store-bought mouthguards are certainly convenient. Unfortunately, the one-size-fits-all nature doesn’t make them anywhere near as effective as custom-made ones from the dentist. In fact, in some cases, they are a choking hazard, making them quite troublesome. The good news is that your child’s dental team can provide them with one to help protect their teeth and gums throughout their time on the court, field, etc. Not only will it be personalized to fit perfectly, but it will also be made with the appropriate thickness.
How to Handle a Dental Emergency
If your child accidentally forgets to wear their mouthguard and sustains a dental injury, do your best not to panic. If they see you freaking out, there’s a good chance they will mirror your behavior. Instead, calmly assess the damage. If the injury looks pretty straightforward (like a knocked-out tooth), then call their dentist’s office right away and explain your situation. If the injury is accompanied by symptoms that need medical attention (like uncontrollable bleeding), then call 911 or head to the nearest ER.
You wouldn’t second-guess telling your child to wear a helmet. So, don’t hesitate to remind them to wear their mouthguard! It’s one of the best ways to prevent a stressful and potentially painful dental injury.
About the Practice
For our team at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, preventive dentistry is crucial. While that starts with routine checkups and cleanings, it extends to dental sealants, athletic mouthguards, and other tooth-saving services. If your child is an athlete, then don’t hesitate to talk to our team about how to protect their smile via our website or by phone at (781) 767-7200.