As a parent, you know why wearing a mouthguard is important for your little athlete. However, you may be struggling with how to best explain it, especially if they aren’t fond of the idea. Whether your child participates in soccer, karate, football, or something similar, then here’s why they need to wear a mouthguard during sports.
So, Why Does Your Child Need to Wear a Mouthguard During Sports?
Every year, roughly 5 million teeth are knocked-out during a sports-related incident. Despite this, a little more than 40% of players said that they don’t consistently wear a mouthguard. While accidents aren’t 100% preventable, a study from Dental Traumatology reported that mouthguards can definitively lower the prevalence of dental trauma. Simply put, just like your child wears a helmet to protect their brain and kneepads to avoid serious cuts and wounds, they need to wear a mouthguard to prevent injuries to their teeth, gums, and tongue.
The Benefits of a Custom Mouthguard
Your local sporting goods store should have mouthguards for athletes of all ages. However, there are a few problems with store-bought options, including the fact that they can be a choking hazard. To properly protect your child’s teeth and gums, you should talk to their pediatric dentist about having a custom one made. This will ensure that it’s the proper thickness to protect their smile while also fitting them comfortably so they actually want to wear it.
5 Additional Ways to Protect Your Child’s Smile from a Dental Injury
Getting your child a mouthguard is an important first step, but it isn’t the only one you should take to protect them from a serious dental emergency. Here are a few additional measures parents should take:
- Keep sports drinks and other high-sugar beverages to a minimum
- Clean their mouthguard after each practice and game
- Help your child implement a solid oral hygiene regimen
- Schedule a checkup and cleaning for your child every six months
- Encourage them to avoid unhealthy dental habits, like chewing on ice
Now when your child asks why they have to wear a mouthguard, you’ll be ready!
About the Practice
Our team at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is comprised of four talented doctors and an excellent support team. As a result, we can confidently offer numerous treatments for growing smiles at our Pelham dental office, including essential preventive care and custom orthodontic treatments. If your child participates in sports and needs a mouthguard, or you simply have a question about how to keep their teeth and gums healthy, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (603) 635-1166.