Does My Child Need a Mouthguard?

Sports mouthguards help protect teeth from injury and harm, especially if the athlete is participating in a physical activity that can involve contact with the ground, equipment, or other players. For additional protection, consider a mouthguard for your child, especially if they wear a helmet, shoulder pads, or other protective gear during their sport.

What Does a Mouthguard Do?

Mouthguards are made of sturdy plastic and are designed to be a protective layer between one’s teeth during activities with the potential for high-impact contact. Common contact sports include hockey, football, basketball, soccer, rugby, and lacrosse. However, your child would also benefit from a mouthguard if they are engaging in an activity where there is a possibility of them falling on their face (like gymnastics or skateboarding) or getting hit in the face with sports equipment (such as baseball and softball).

When an athlete doesn’t wear a mouthguard, they run the risk of getting their teeth chipped, broken, or knocked out entirely. If your child has braces, it’s especially important that they keep their teeth protected because braces can cause additional injury. Mouthguards are also useful in protecting the jaw and soft tissues like the gums and lips.

Mouthguards aren’t just for sports, either. If your child has obstructive sleep apnea, complains about jaw pain, or is known to grind their teeth, there are special oral appliances that can reposition their jaw and help protect their teeth from damage.

Types of Sports Mouthguards

There are three types of athletic mouthguards:

• Stock Mouthguards – These are one-size-fits-all mouthguards that you can find online and at sporting goods stores.
• Boil & Bite Mouthguard– These mouthguards can be molded to fit your child’s mouth better than a stock mouthguard by using hot water to soften the plastic
• Custom Mouthguard – These mouthguards are specifically designed for your child’s smile at your dentist’s office. This will be the best-fitting and offer optimal comfort and maximum protection. It should not cause any soreness or pain.

Custom Mouthguards in San Antonio, TX

At Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we offer custom mouthguards to help protect your child’s smile. Contact us today to schedule your child’s consultation for a custom mouthguard!

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Categorised in: Preventive Dental Care