The kids are back in school and out on the playing field. If your child is involved in a contact sport, you may be wondering if they need a mouthguard to protect their upper and lower teeth as well as their jaw and gums. The Australian Dental Association strongly recommends the use of a mouthguard in any sport or activity where collision or contact is likely, and during both games and training. Often injuries in sports or activities that do occur are those we didn’t even consider to be a danger. It’s always best to ‘play it safe’ and wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth.

Dental injuries are the most common type of orofacial injury sustained during sports participation. Additionally, an athlete is 60 times more likely to sustain damage to the teeth when not wearing a protective mouthguard. These dental injuries often result in permanent damage to oral structures which require medical intervention. Many of these dental injuries can be prevented by wearing a mouthguard.

How Do Mouthguards Work?

Mouthguards are flexible plastic devices that fit into the mouth. They cover the teeth and fill the space between the cheeks and the gums. They act like a local shock absorber in the mouth, stopping blows to the face from directly impacting the teeth. This shock absorption cuts down on tooth fractures. So not only do mouthguards help prevent broken teeth, but they also prevent the cheeks and tongue from being injured by sharp teeth.

Are athletic mouthguards necessary for kids’ sports?

Yes, absolutely. Mouthguards offer protection from injury and decrease the chance of lasting damage to your child’s mouth. At Parkridge dental, our goal is to help make your child’s dental care as easy, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible. We can fit your child for a mouthguard using their exact specifications, so you rest assured that they are playing their desired sport with necessary, added safety. Call Parkridge Dental today to have your child fitted for their very own custom mouthguard!