The Benefits of Athletic Dental Mouth Guards for Kids

There are roughly 45 million American kids who play sports – and while little leagues usually have safety precautions in place, accidents do happen. That’s why the Cleveland Clinic and multiple children’s health organizations promote mouthguards as a necessary piece of equipment for young athletes.

At Children’s Dentistry of Manatee, we understand that your little ones have their own needs and unique set of teeth. We encourage every child to get fit for a custom mouthguard, ensuring their safety and protection while they stay active.

How Do Mouth Guards in Pediatric Dentistry Work?

A mouthguard is a dental device made of soft material that disperses force – dulling any sharp blow and minimizing damage to the teeth. They are required for all contact sports and should be required for all children’s athletics.

Mouthguards are often available at sports stores, but the best ones are dentist-made and custom-fit to the person using them.

Why Invest in Athletic Mouthguards?

A mouthguard isn’t just for your children’s teeth – it’s also there to protect their skin, gums, and jawbones! A third of all sports injuries are facial injuries. Without a mouthguard, many things can go wrong, like:

• Fractures – Your child could chip or break a tooth, potentially exposing the pulp and nerve endings. A sharp blow could also break their jawbone.
• Avulsions – The entire tooth, including the root, could be knocked out.
• Luxations – The tooth can be displaced or stick out of the mouth, causing pain and impairing daily function.

If any of these unfortunate situations happen to your child, bring them immediately to an emergency dentist. An emergency dentist can stabilize them and treat the issue.

Can Kids WIth Braces Use Mouthguards?

If your child has braces, then they are at even more risk of gum and orofacial trauma. The hardware on their teeth and in their mouth can get damaged in a high contact sport. Worst case scenario, the sharp metal elements can cause further injury to your child. It’s highly recommended for children with orthodontics or prosthodontics to get mouthguards.

Don’t risk injury and damage! Simply inquire at Children’s Dentistry of Manatee and get a custom-fit mouthguard for your little athlete today.

Why A Children’s Dentist?

There are many options when it comes to getting a mouthguard, such as sports stores or online shops. But the best option, by far, is to invest in a custom mouthguard made specifically for your child’s needs. Your child is worth it!

Unlike off-the-rack mouthguards, a custom mouthguard will take into account the individual’s braces, bite, and anything unique about their teeth. This minimizes the damage to your child’s teeth and maximizes their protection.

There’s also another reason a children’s dentist is the best choice for a custom-fitted mouthguard – as your child grows, their mouthguard needs will change. Working with a dentist guarantees that your child always has the best fit, so that they’re always comfortable and safe, no matter how big they get!

Conclusion

Your child’s health and safety are a #1 priority. Why take the risk if there’s a proven safe and effective fix? Make an appointment at Children’s Dentistry of Manatee today, and get them fitted with their own mouthguard!