Many kids love playing sports like baseball, soccer, and basketball. They gain physical strength, confidence, and friends from the experience. Unfortunately, playing sports can lead to injuries, including dental trauma. Should kids wear mouthguards?
How Common Are Dental Injuries in Sports?
According to SportsMedsToday.com, 40% of all dental injuries in the United States are sports-related! Boys are 10% more likely to experience dental trauma, while high-speed and high-impact sports (like basketball) are more likely to cause injuries. Common accidents include cracked teeth, tooth dislocations, loosened teeth, and injuries to the tongue, cheeks, lips, and jaw.
What Kind of Mouthguard Should a Kid Have?
Given how common dental injuries are, every kid who plays a high-impact sport should wear a mouthguard. You can find a few types at sports equipment stores for very cheap, but these are often so uncomfortable that your child will avoid wearing their mouthguard. Poorly fitted mouthguards are also less effective at protecting your kid’s smile. Mouthguards at the dentist are custom-made, so they’re more durable, comfortable, and effective.
How Do You Take Care of a Mouthguard?
To protect a child’s oral health, mouthguards should be cleaned frequently. Before and after each use, have your child clean their mouthguard with a soft-bristled toothbrush, mild soap, and lukewarm water. Rinse well. For storage, try to keep the mouthguard in a hard case. Kids should also avoid chewing on their mouthguards since this will warp the shape.
Mouthguards at Milltown Family Dentistry in Carrboro, NC
Every parent wants their kid to be safe while they’re playing sports. Mouthguards are the best way to protect your child from painful, traumatic, and expensive dental injuries. At our office, every mouthguard is custom-designed and made to last. If you have questions or want to book an appointment with Dr. Ben and Megumi Lambeth, please reach out today!
Contact Us