Why Your Active Child Should Be Wearing a Mouthguard
Active children who participate in sports may suffer accidents from time to time. Some accidents may require an emergency visit to your child’s pediatric dentist if protection has been neglected. If your child is active in sports, he or she should wear a mouthguard to prevent against serious injury.
A mouthguard is a hard, plastic appliance that a child wears over his or her teeth and gums in order to prevent injury to the mouth during participation in sports. Mouthguards are most commonly worn on the upper teeth only, but your pediatric dentist may recommend a lower mouthguard if your child wears braces.
Mouthguards can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies and sporting goods stores, or they can be custom made by your pediatric dentist. A custom appliance offers greater protection, because it fits the child’s mouth perfectly, whereas an over-the-counter appliance may be too loose.
A child can sustain a number of dental injuries during sports participation, most of which can be prevented with the use of a mouthguard. Some common injuries include a chipped or cracked tooth, one or more teeth being knocked out, or soft tissue injuries as a result of sudden contact with the teeth, orthodontic appliances, or the offending object itself.
Mouthguards are important for any active child, but are of particular importance for children currently undergoing orthodontic treatment. Not only can a mouthguard protect the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth, but it can also protect expensive orthodontic appliances from sustaining damage.
If you would like more information about protecting your child’s teeth, contact us at Ashburn Children’s Dentistry. We are the children’s dentist that Ashburn and Leesbur parents have come to know and trust for excellent pediatric dental care. Call us at (571) 223-5768 for an appointment today.
- Loading comments...
