SPORTS AND NIGHT MOUTH PROTECTORS
If your child participates in sports, it may be recommended or required for them to use a mouthguard. While you can purchase generic mouthguards at a sports store, these may not provide the best protection for your child's unique and ever-changing smile.
More than 25 percent of the dental injuries we treat in our pediatric dentistry practice are related to sports, with the majority involving the upper front teeth.
Dental mouthguards typically cover the upper teeth and also protect the soft tissues of the tongue, lips, and lining of the cheeks.
I consider it mandatory to use a mouthguard in contact and collision sports, including:
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American football
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Lacrosse
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Boxing
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Wrestling
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Basketball
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Soccer
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A mouthguard can also prevent injuries in non-contact sports such as biking, rollerblading, skateboarding, and gymnastics. Facial impacts in these sports may be accidental but are equally harmful.
What is the prevalence of sports-related dental injuries? In 2012, the National Foundation for Sports Safety predicted that over three million teeth would be knocked out in youth sports events that year.
VENTAJAS DEL PROTECTOR BUCAL PARA NIÑOS
Mouthguards help cushion a blow to the face. They limit the risk of injuries to the lips, tongue, and jaw and help prevent fractured teeth, nerve damage to a tooth, or tooth loss.
While a mouthguard does not prevent a concussion, a study published in the May/June 2014 issue of General Dentistry (the clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry) shows they can reduce the severity of the injury.
A mouthguard will also prevent braces from damaging the gums and cheeks and protect the braces.
Mouthguards act as a protective helmet, safeguarding the jaw from an unexpected fracture.
Mouthguards are much less expensive than dental repairs. Our goal is to keep your child's teeth perfect forever. That's why a good mouthguard is one of the best investments you can make in sports equipment. Mouthguards are easy to maintain.
Our specialists can create a model of your child's mouth and craft a custom mouthguard for them to wear during sports and athletic activities. The mouthguard can be reviewed and updated as your child grows, ensuring they always have the best possible protection.
If your child grinds or clenches their teeth at night, a nightguard can be created using the same process. A nightguard can prevent excessive wear on baby and permanent teeth and prevent your child's bite from becoming uneven.
Ask our specialists about mouthguards and nightguards, and if they believe your child could benefit from one!