Mouth injury in kids happens more often than most moms and dads realize. Whether your kid is playing on the playground or participating in a contact sport, an accident can leave teeth chipped, cracked, or even knocked out. Protection gear, such as a mouthguard, is essential to preventing such injuries. As a mom or dad, it helps to know about the options and benefits of mouthguards to assist you in making the right choice for your child’s oral health.
Why Should You Give Mouthguards to Your Children?
Children’s teeth and jaws continue to develop. A sudden hit may harm not just teeth but also jaw joints and gums. The American Dental Association estimates that athletes wearing no mouthguard are 60 times more likely to suffer a dental injury. Even outside organized sports, typical falls and tumble play can jeopardize a child’s teeth.
A Sacramento pediatric dentist can provide a comfortable-fitting mouthguard that protects effectively. A proper fit means your child will wear it all the time without discomfort or breathing trouble.
Types of Mouthguards Parents Need to Know About
Not all mouthguards are created equal. Knowing differences will help you make the best choice for your child:
- Stock Mouthguards – Pre-formed, ready-to-wear, but occasionally bulky and not so secure.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards – Saturated in hot water and shaped to teeth. More comfortable than stock, but less precise.
- Custom-Fitted Mouthguards – Fitted by a dental professional for an ideal fit. Gives maximum comfort, durability, and protection.
Although stock and boil-and-bite ones can be easily found, custom-fitted mouthguards are normally prescribed by the best pediatric dentist in Sacramento for an active child. They are durable, have an optimal fit, and give maximum protection.
Sports and Activities for Which Mouthguards Are Required
Parents commonly associate mouthguards with collision sports like football or hockey. However, dental injuries can happen during many activities, including:
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Gymnastics
- Skateboarding and cycling
- Martial arts
Even non-contact sports can lead to unintentional collisions or falls. A properly fitted mouthguard is designed to handle shock and distribute the force, thus avoiding damage.
The Role of a Sacramento Pediatric Dentist
After your child’s mouthguard is custom-made and fitted by a pediatric dentist in Sacramento, it is based on their unique dental structure, bite, and orthodontic appliances. The custom fit adds protection without hindering speech or breathing.
Child mouthguards in development stages will need adjustments every now and then. Visits to the pediatric dentist also help you detect wear and tear early, before there can be a break.
How to Care for Your Child’s Mouthguard?
Maintenance keeps the mouthguard safe, clean, and in working order:
- Rinse it with cold water before and after use.
- Keep it in a ventilated case to prevent bacterial growth.
- Do not leave it in direct sunlight or warm areas to prevent warping.
- Go to the dentist for periodic checkups and dental care.
These habits keep the mouthguard protected from damage.
Your child’s teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Simple prevention, like wearing a mouthguard, can keep them safe from agonizing injuries and expensive treatments down the line. If your child plays sports or is active outdoors, it’s worth considering a mouthguard fitted professionally by your Sacramento pediatric dentist.
At Bubbles Dental, we provide tailored solutions that protect little smiles without stopping children from participating in playtime. Call our office today to arrange a mouthguard fitting and preserve your child’s smile every time they take part in a high-impact game.
