Why Should Kids Wear Mouthguards When Playing Sports?

Sports like football, basketball, hockey, soccer, and martial arts can come with a real risk of dental injury. Even non-contact sports can lead to accidental collisions. A mouthguard helps cushion any hits to your child’s face, reducing their chances of tooth damage and soft-tissue injuries. For kids with braces, mouthguards are especially important, because they prevent sharp metal brackets from cutting their cheeks and protect orthodontic appliances from breaking. Wearing a mouthguard is a simple step that can save families from everything from significant pain and stress to dental expenses.

Types of Mouthguards

Stock Mouthguards

These come pre-shaped and ready to wear, but often feel bulky and offer limited protection because they can’t be adjusted to fit properly.

Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

A popular option for kids, these soften in hot water and mold around their teeth for a better, more secure fit than stock versions.

Custom Mouthguards

Made by a dentist from impressions of your child’s teeth, custom mouthguards offer the best comfort and protection. They are ideal for kids who play contact sports regularly or wear braces.

What Should I Look For in a Mouthguard For My Child?

When choosing a mouthguard, look for one that is comfortable, well-fitting, and durable enough for repeated use. It should stay securely in place in your child’s mouth, allow for unobstructed breathing and easy speaking, and be made of shock-absorbing, BPA-free material. 

When selecting boil-and-bite mouthguards, look for brands that have the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. The ADA Seal confirms the mouthguard meets strict, science-based safety and effectiveness standards that have been independently verified to ensure they offer reliable protection for young athletes. 

For kids who have braces or other dental needs, a custom mouthguard made by your child’s dentist is typically the safest and most reliable option. 

Learn More About the Benefits of Mouthguards for Kids

Help protect your child’s smile this season. Schedule a visit with your dentist today to get personalized mouthguard recommendations and ensure your young athlete stays safe, confident, and game-ready.

Sources:

https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/athletic-mouth-protectors-mouthguards

The post Which Mouthguards Do Dentists Recommend For Kids Playing Sports? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Brushing your teeth is great, although unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to remove all the
plaque. Research shows that many people routinely miss certain areas of their teeth, and if
you’re not flossing or skip flossing regularly, you’re missing even more plaque. Built-up plaque
can turn into tartar over time.

Tartar is a hard substance that’s impossible to remove at home. Removing tartar and built-up
plaque regularly with professional teeth cleanings can help reduce your risk for cavities and
gum disease. Your dentist can talk with you about areas you’re missing during your visit to help
improve your brushing habits!

You May Be Predisposed to Oral Health Problems

Everything about us is the result of genes that we inherited from our parents. This is true for
tooth and gum health as well. You may be genetically predisposed to tooth decay and gum
disease, even if you brush and floss regularly. This is why it’s so important to visit your dentist
for cleanings. They can give you the extra help you need for preventative care when it comes to
your smile.

Some people also have a specific mouth structure that’s more difficult to clean than other
peoples’. This includes a smaller mouth with crowded or crooked teeth. These spaces are nearly
impossible to clean properly with home care, making a dentist visit every few months essential
to keeping plaque and tartar away.

Benefit from a Dental Exam

While you’re at the dentist getting your professional cleaning, your dentist can perform a
dental exam to assess your oral health. This includes an oral cancer screening, which should be
done annually starting at age 18, and other preventative measures. Your dentist can tell when a
cavity is in the works and together, you can put steps into place to prevent it.

Your dentist will also help you improve your home care habits to stop cavities and tooth decay.
Removing these bacteria regularly may help improve heart health by keeping bacteria out of
the bloodstream. Professional teeth cleanings also regularly remove surface stains on the teeth,
keeping your smile as bright as possible.

The verdict is in—cleaning your teeth daily is essential, but so are regular dentist visits with
professional teeth cleanings. This way, you have a 360 protection plan against harmful oral
diseases and cavities. To protect your teeth as much as possible, schedule a visit with your
dentist and keep up with your healthy brushing and flossing habits!

The post If I Brush and Floss Regularly, Do I Still Need Teeth Cleanings? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.