What Sports Should Your Child Wear a Mouthguard For?

As you get your child ready for the new school year, is an athletic mouthguard on their supply list? Children 5-9 years of age have the highest number of dental emergencies every year. More than 600,000 people visit an emergency room annually from sports-related dental injuries. Between 3 to 5 million teeth are knocked out every year from sports. An athletic mouthguard is a simple way to safeguard your child’s smile. If you have a young athlete, here’s when your child should wear a mouthguard.

Protect Your Child’s Smile

Athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer a dental emergency. A custom-fit mouthguard provides a layer of protection for your little one’s teeth and gums. It can also prevent jaw injuries and lessen the severity of concussions. 

You wouldn’t send your child onto the football field without a helmet. Don’t send them to practice or take them to the skatepark without a mouthguard.

When is a Mouthguard Necessary?

A mouthguard is recommended for any sports or activities that could result in trauma to the mouth, like:

• Acrobats
• Basketball
• Boxing
• Field Hockey
• Football
• Gymnastics
• Handball
• Ice Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Martial Arts
• Racquetball
• Roller Hockey
• Shot Put
• Skateboarding
• Skiing
• Soccer

Visit a Pediatric Dentist for a Mouthguard

You can purchase mouthguards over-the-counter, but you could place your child at risk of a dental emergency. Every mouth is as unique as fingerprints, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all mouthguard. If it doesn’t fit correctly, it can increase your child’s risk of oral injuries. 

Boil-to-fit OTC mouthguards aren’t any safer. Although they may provide a better fit than other options, they aren’t made of the best materials, which could limit the protection they offer. 

Instead, take your little one to their pediatric dentist for a custom-fit athletic mouthguard. It will be made of durable, comfortable material to fit their mouth like a glove. 

Be sure your child cleans their mouthguard after every use to remove plaque buildup and bacteria. Regular cleaning will keep their mouth healthy and prolong the lifespan of their mouthguard. 

You can ensure your child is prepared for the upcoming season. Don’t settle for less than the best when choosing an athletic mouthguard for your child. You’ll have peace of mind knowing their smile is protected.

About Dr. Sibel Bialas

Dr. Bialas earned her dental degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has continued her education in many specialties, including pediatric dentistry. She strives to provide compassionate care for young patients. If your little one needs an athletic mouthguard before the new season, schedule an appointment online or call (508) 859-4263.