Which Activities Should My Child Wear a Mouthguard For?

Competitive sports and leisure recreational activities offer children the chance to exercise, develop social and problem-solving skills, build character, and have fun. But, with any activity that features a high level of movement, there is a possibility of injury.

Mouthguards for Children

Mouthguards are made of sturdy plastic and designed to be a protective layer between teeth during activities or for patients who experience bruxism or obstructive sleep apnea. In the case of physical activities, an athletic mouthguard helps protect the teeth, jaw, and soft tissues like the gums and lips.

Depending on the activity your child participates in, a mouthguard may already be a requirement for the well-being of each participant. However, a mouthguard is a great preventive accessory even if the coach, league, rules, etc. don’t require them.

Types of Activities

There are certain types of activities for which your child should wear an athletic mouthguard while participating in to reduce their risk of dental damage. These are some examples:

Basketball

A mouthguard during basketball is a helpful precaution in protecting players against chipped, broken, or lost teeth. There are chances of collision between players, and an elbow or ball to the face can bring a lot of damaging force.

Football

During a game of friendly or competitive football, there are many chances of blows to the face. The impact from tackling can have serious consequences on the teeth.

Boxing

If your child is in MMA, you’ll quickly notice that the face is vulnerable to injury. Whether your child is a new or an experienced fighter, the right mouthguard is important in preventing tooth loss and other dental trauma.

Soccer

Though soccer is a foot sport, the ball can be kicked towards the head or face. Mouthguard can help prevent broken teeth, chipped teeth, and cuts to the lips.

Cycling

A helmet is absolutely necessary when cycling. A mouthguard can provide additional protection for the teeth against impact, especially if your child participates in cycling tricks and may fall to the ground.

Custom Mouthguards in San Antonio

Our Tots to Teen Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics team can help you determine if your child needs a mouthguard. At our office, we offer custom mouthguards to help protect your child’s smile and reduce their risk of a dental emergency. Contact us today for more information!

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Categorised in: Preventive Dental Care