Why A Mouthguard For Your Child Is A Good Idea!

It’s the start of another school year, and that means it’s time to gear your child up with all the supplies they’ll need. You may already have a shopping list that includes everything from school supplies to new clothes for an updated wardrobe. Don’t forget that if your child is doing physical activities this year, you should also include a mouthguard. It’s an easy step you can take to protect your child from potential dental emergencies. Keep reading to learn more about how you can find the right mouthguard to keep your child’s smile safe!

What Are Mouthguards?

Mouthguards are U-shaped plastic or laminate covers that shield teeth during physical activities. They’re often worn by professional athletes of all genders and ages. They know that even if you play by the rules, accidents can still happen. No one wants to break or lose a tooth if they take a blow during their football game or karate match, and that includes your child!

Though they’re worn over the teeth, mouthguards can also keep the lips, tongue, and cheeks from harm. They work by evenly distributing the force of a blow so that no single tooth or area takes the brunt of the damage. Instead, the impact is evenly dispersed to avoid more intense injuries.

Are Mouthguards Required?

Your child might not be a professional athlete (yet!), but they can benefit from a mouthguard just the same. You might even find that they’re required for:

• High contact sports like martial arts, football, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, or boxing.
• Team sports with a high chance of incidental contact like soccer, wrestling, basketball, or volleyball.
• Action sports that could involve injury like snowboarding, biking, or skiing.

Even if your child’s school or activity administrator doesn’t request one, it’s worth it to get your child a mouthguard to avoid a potential future dental emergency.

Are There Different Types of Mouthguards?

Yes! In order to work effectively, it’s important to find the right mouthguard. Remember, the better the fit, the more defense it will provide. There are three types:

1. Stock mouthguards come in varying shapes and sizes. While they don’t cost much, they also don’t offer customized fit like some of the other choices.
2. Custom-made mouthguards are pricier but offer the best protection because they’ll fit like a glove. Getting one involves a visit to your child’s dentist who will make an impression of their teeth to create the mouthguard out of professional-grade materials.
3. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are a compromise between the previous types listed. They won’t fit as well as one made by a dentist, but by boiling and biting into the mold, you’ll have a more customized fit than with the stock mouthguards.

If you have questions about mouthguards, you can ask your child’s dentist. They can give you all the information you need to keep your child’s smile safe all year long!

About the Practice

At Ridgefield Perfect Smile Center, you’ll receive all the dental care you need in a relaxed and comfortable setting. They have the most up-to-date technology onsite to minimize out-of-office visits even for more complicated treatments. You’ll also be able to enjoy the TVs, music, massage chairs, hot towels, blankets, and other amenities provided to keep patients calm. If you’re interested in a mouthguard for your child, you are welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (203) 438-8919.