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The Importance of Mouth Guards for Athletes

A group of kids playing football

Sports are a great way for kids to stay active and healthy. However, most sports also come with a risk of injury. One of the best ways to protect your child’s teeth during sports is by using a mouth guard.

Why Mouth Guards are Important

A mouth guard is a soft, protective device worn over the teeth to prevent injuries. In contact sports like football, basketball, or hockey, a mouth guard helps prevent broken teeth, jaw injuries, and cuts to the lips and gums. Even in non-contact sports like gymnastics, mouthguards can protect against falls or accidents that may harm the teeth.

Types of Mouth Guards

There are a few different types of mouthguards to choose from. Here are some of the more common types:

  • Stock mouthguards are pre-made and ready to wear, but they may not fit as well as custom-sized ones. However, they are easy to find and convenient in a time crunch.
  • Boil-and-bite mouth guards are mouth guards that can be customized by boiling them in water and biting into them for a more secure fit.
  • Custom mouthguards are made by a dentist for the best fit and protection. They are more expensive but offer maximum comfort and safety.

Protecting Your Child’s Smile

At Great Outdoors Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend mouthguards for kids who are active in sports. Not only do they protect the teeth, but they also help prevent long-term dental problems. Injuries that damage teeth can be costly to fix, and sometimes, they may require expensive and difficult treatments. In such cases, you’ll be looking up Dover dental sedation or Dover sedation to manage pain.

When your child wears a mouth guard, you’re taking a simple step to protect their smile. If you are searching for a pediatric dental clinic near me, our team is here to help.

For more information about mouthguards or to book a consultation, call Great Outdoors Pediatric Dentistry at 603-343-1228 or schedule an appointment online today.

Posted on Jan 13, 2025
Image Credit:

File ID 10901328 | © Susan Leggett | Dreamstime.com

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