Watching your child play sports is both exhilarating and nerve-racking as a parent. It’s great to see them be active and have fun with their peers, but of course, you’re always a little worried about their safety. This can be especially true when a bunch of kids (and equipment) are flying around the field!
Every year, thousands of children experience sports-related dental injuries, but these can largely be avoided by having them wear a custom mouthguard provided by a dentist. Not only can this small piece of gear protect their smile, but it can also lower their concussion risk at the same time.
Who Should Wear a Mouthguard?
Many parents wonder if the particular sport their child plays even calls for a mouthguard. While football, basketball, and others where sudden impacts are commonplace obviously call for dental protection, it’s also recommended for activities like gymnastics and even track & field events.
Why? Because any situation where your child (or the people around them) are throwing things or moving fast presents the chance for an accident that could result in a broken, chipped, or knocked-out tooth.
Mouthguards & Concussions
Concussions as the result of sports have gotten more attention over the past decade or so, so a lot of research has been unearthed about the subject, plus many new studies have been completed or are ongoing.
What has been shown time and time again is that mouthguards cannot only shield the teeth from collisions, but the brain as well. Essentially, when a person’s head is exposed to a great force (like a football tackle or errant volleyball), a mouthguard reduces the impact because it partially absorbs some of the energy. This reduces the trauma to the teeth as well as the brain, lowering the chance of a dental injury as well as a concussion.
The Benefits of a Custom Mouthguard
Mouthguards are easily available online and in every sporting goods store, so why opt for one created by a dentist that will take more time and expense?
The truth is that off-the-shelf guards are made to fit a wide variety of people, which means they often don’t suit the individual. This means they slip all the time, feel uncomfortable, and prevent someone from speaking or breathing normally. How do children react to this? You probably already know—they “forget” or “lose” the mouthguard almost instantly.
With a custom guard from a dentist, the appliance is engineered to be comfortable and protective. It’s tailored to each child’s mouth so that it’s secure, contours to their unique teeth, and feels so comfortable that a player quickly forgets they are even wearing it. The result is that your child actually benefits because they are consistently using their guard.
A quick call or conversation with your child’s dentist is all you need to acquire a mouthguard for them, and with one, you can breathe a little easier and cheer a little louder from the sidelines.
About the Author
Dr. Ernie Costello is a graduate of the West Virginia University School of Dentistry, and as a dentist and father of two, he strives to help young patients enjoy healthier smiles throughout childhood and adolescence. Offering fully custom-made mouthguards for all types of athletes and children of all ages, he and our team make the process easy and convenient so your future sports star can be ready for the season.
If you have a child who needs a mouthguard made just for them, visit our website or call (847) 259-1111.