As a parent, you want to ensure that your child is safe while participating in the sports they love. Whether they’re playing hockey, soccer, basketball, or engaging in any other physical activity, the risk of dental injuries is always a concern. One of the most effective ways to protect your child’s teeth—and prevent potentially serious injuries—is by providing them with a properly fitted mouthguard.
Mouthguards are essential for anyone engaging in contact sports or activities that carry a risk of trauma to the face and mouth. In Saint John, where sports like hockey, soccer, and lacrosse are popular, ensuring your child wears a mouthguard can prevent costly and painful dental injuries. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of mouthguards, how they protect your child’s teeth, and tips for choosing the right one to keep your young athlete safe.
Why Mouthguards Matter
The importance of a mouthguard goes beyond just protecting the teeth. A properly fitted mouthguard can prevent a range of dental and facial injuries that may occur during sports. These injuries can include:
- Broken or chipped teeth: A direct impact to the mouth or face can cause teeth to crack, break, or fall out. A mouthguard acts as a cushion to absorb and distribute the force of impact, reducing the risk of damage to the teeth.
- Tooth displacement: A sudden blow can dislodge a tooth, leading to tooth loss or misalignment. A mouthguard helps protect the teeth from being forced out of their sockets.
- Jaw fractures or dislocations: A strong impact to the face can result in a broken jaw or misaligned bite. Mouthguards protect the jaw by absorbing shock and preventing direct trauma.
- Soft tissue injuries: In addition to protecting the teeth and jaw, mouthguards also help prevent cuts and bruising to the inside of the lips, cheeks, and gums.
- Concussions: While a mouthguard is not a substitute for a helmet, it can help reduce the risk of concussion by stabilizing the head and reducing the force of impact during collisions.
While there are a variety of ways to reduce the risk of injury during sports, wearing a mouthguard is one of the simplest and most effective preventive measures.
Types of Mouthguards
When selecting a mouthguard for your child, it’s important to choose one that fits well and provides adequate protection. There are several different types of mouthguards, each offering varying levels of protection and comfort.
1. Stock Mouthguards
Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear. They are the least expensive option but also the least customizable. These mouthguards can be bulky, uncomfortable, and difficult to fit properly, as they often do not fit snugly around your child’s teeth. While they do provide some protection, stock mouthguards are generally not recommended for children who play sports regularly.
2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Boil-and-bite mouthguards offer a better fit than stock mouthguards. These mouthguards are made from a thermoplastic material that softens when placed in hot water. After softening, your child bites down on the mouthguard to create an impression of their teeth. Once cooled, the mouthguard hardens into a custom fit.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are more comfortable and provide a more secure fit than stock mouthguards. However, they still may not offer the same level of protection and comfort as custom-made mouthguards, and the fit may degrade over time.
3. Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
Custom-fitted mouthguards, made by a dentist, are the gold standard in mouthguard protection. These mouthguards are individually crafted from impressions of your child’s teeth, ensuring an exact fit and maximum comfort. Because they are tailored specifically for your child’s mouth, they offer superior protection and are the most effective at preventing dental injuries.
Custom mouthguards are more expensive than stock or boil-and-bite models, but they provide the best fit and are the most durable. If your child plays contact sports frequently, the investment in a custom mouthguard can save you both the pain and cost of treating dental injuries down the road.
Benefits of Wearing a Mouthguard
There are several compelling reasons to invest in a mouthguard for your child, particularly if they are involved in sports in Saint John. Here are just a few of the key benefits:
1. Enhanced Protection for Teeth and Gums
A properly fitted mouthguard acts as a cushion for your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw. It absorbs and redistributes the forces generated by a blow to the face, reducing the risk of serious injury. Whether your child is playing hockey, football, or basketball, a mouthguard can make a significant difference in protecting their dental health.
2. Decreases Risk of Concussions
While a mouthguard cannot fully prevent concussions, it can help reduce the severity of head injuries. A study published by the American Journal of Sports Medicine found that athletes who wore mouthguards during contact sports had a lower risk of suffering a concussion compared to those who did not wear one. This added benefit makes mouthguards essential for children involved in high-contact sports.
3. Improved Confidence in Sports
Knowing that they are protected can give your child greater confidence while playing sports. When your child is less worried about injury, they may be more willing to fully participate, leading to improved performance and enjoyment. This can be particularly important for kids who are just getting started with sports or who have experienced a previous injury.
4. Long-Term Dental Health
Dental injuries can be costly and painful to repair. If your child experiences a broken or dislodged tooth, it may require expensive treatments such as fillings, crowns, or even root canals. Wearing a mouthguard significantly lowers the likelihood of these types of injuries, saving you time, money, and potential discomfort.
Tips for Getting Your Child to Wear a Mouthguard
Getting your child to wear a mouthguard consistently can sometimes be a challenge. Here are a few tips to help encourage good habits:
1. Make it Part of the Routine
Introduce the mouthguard early on and make it a routine part of their sports gear. Explain the importance of protecting their teeth and how the mouthguard keeps them safe. Once your child gets used to wearing it, it will become second nature.
2. Choose a Comfortable Option
Comfort is key when it comes to getting your child to wear a mouthguard. If your child finds it uncomfortable, they are less likely to wear it consistently. Whether you opt for a boil-and-bite or a custom mouthguard, make sure it fits well and is comfortable for your child to wear.
3. Show Them Examples
Sometimes, showing your child examples of professional athletes who wear mouthguards can help reinforce the importance of using one. Many professional hockey players, football players, and even basketball players wear mouthguards to protect their teeth and jaw.
4. Keep it Clean
A clean mouthguard is essential for your child’s oral health. Encourage your child to rinse their mouthguard with cold water after each use and store it in a clean case. Make sure to inspect the mouthguard regularly for signs of wear and tear. If it becomes damaged, replace it promptly to ensure your child’s continued protection.
When to Replace Your Child’s Mouthguard
As your child’s teeth and jaws develop, their mouthguard may need to be adjusted or replaced. Here are a few signs that it’s time for a new mouthguard:
- If it no longer fits properly: As your child’s mouth grows, their old mouthguard may become loose and no longer offer the protection it once did.
- If it’s damaged: A cracked or torn mouthguard should be replaced immediately, as it may not provide adequate protection.
- If your child outgrows it: As your child grows, they may need a new mouthguard to accommodate their changing teeth and jaw structure.
Conclusion
Protecting your child’s teeth during sports should be a top priority for any parent. A mouthguard is one of the most effective ways to prevent dental injuries, protect your child’s smile, and reduce the risk of serious oral health issues. Whether your child plays hockey, football, or participates in any other contact sport in Saint John, investing in a high-quality mouthguard can save you from expensive dental bills and keep your child’s smile safe.
If you’re unsure about which type of mouthguard is best for your child or need help ensuring a proper fit, consider consulting with a dentist in Saint John. With the right mouthguard, your child can continue to enjoy their favorite sports with confidence and protection.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us. Or if you’d like to visit our dental clinic, please find us on Google Maps.
