Sports and outdoor games are an amazing way for kids and teens to stay active, build confidence, and form connections with others in their peer groups—all while having great fun! However, these activities can also come with some risks, especially for teeth. Believe it or not, an estimated 3 million teeth are lost during sports each year in the US! But whether your child plays football, hockey, soccer, or another sport entirely, a properly fitted mouthguard can make all the difference in preventing serious dental injuries. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Mouthguards Matter
Accidents happen, and all it takes is one slip and fall, collision, flung elbow, or stray ball to cause a dental injury. A few of the most common dental emergencies that occur during sports include things like:
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Lip, cheek, tongue, and gum tissue injuries
- Broken dental restorations or orthodontic appliances
Wearing a mouthguard helps to cushion the teeth and jaw, absorbing impact that might otherwise cause significant damage. In fact, studies show that athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are actually 60 times more likely to sustain a dental injury! It’s also important to note that these types of injuries can occur across a broad spectrum of physical activities, not just major contact sports like football or hockey. Even things like gymnastics, swimming, or volleyball can lead to dental injuries, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
What Type of Mouthguard Does My Child Need?
There are several types of mouthguards out there, but not all offer the same level of comfort or protection. For example, stock mouthguards (found in most sporting goods stores) are inexpensive and come pre-formed. However, this usually means that they don’t fit well and can make it hard to talk, not to mention their protection can sometimes be lacking. Boil-and-bite mouth guards can be softened in hot water so that when your child bites into one, it’s molded to their teeth. They’re considered a step up from stock mouthguards.
All of that said, nothing can hold up to the protection offered by a mouthguard from your child’s dentist. These are tailored precisely to your child’s mouth and bite pattern for superior comfort, durability, and protection. This also means that your child will feel more inclined to wear it, and they may even be less likely to “lose” or “forget” it before gearing up.
Mouthguards are simple, affordable, and easy-to-use—and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better investment for your young athlete’s growing smile. With the fall sports season underway, don’t hesitate to speak with their dentist about one during their next appointment!
About the Practice
With Dr. Myles Clancy and Dr. Sadaf Mostafavian leading the way, our team here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has proudly served the needs of families in Nashua and the surrounding communities for several years. Having both a board-certified pediatric dentist and orthodontist on our staff means we’re able to offer a wide range of services for children of all ages, including many preventive dentistry solutions such as custom-made athletic mouthguards. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our office to schedule an appointment for your child, please reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (603) 880-5002.