It’s All Fun and Games Until Someone Loses a Tooth

Sports are extremely important and beneficial in a child’s physical development, and they also encourage the development of a healthy social life, self-esteem, and discipline. Playing sports can give little ones courage to push their own limits, but sometimes enthusiasm or a moment of distraction can lead to an accident.

Losing a tooth can be traumatic for children and adults alike. Not only does it affect the appearance, but it can be painful and lead to receding bones and other complications. This is why it’s very important to wear protective equipment, including a mouthguard.
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Mouthguards Are a Must

Many sports pose the risk of injuries to the face and teeth, but any contact sport can potentially lead to accidents to the head. People practicing sports like soccer, boxing, football, hockey, basketball, skateboarding, or mountain cycling should get a mouthguard. 
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When to Wear a Mouthguard

Children and adults practicing contact sports should wear a mouthguard just as they wear their helmet, knee protection, or another type of protective equipment. Accidents can happen anytime, so wear the mouthguard at every practice, game, or recreational activity that involves injury risks. 
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Types of Mouthguards

Mouthguards vary in quality, cost, and effectiveness. Any mouthguard is better than nothing, but ideally, it should be custom-made to fit the child’s teeth and provide a high level of protection and comfort. 

• Stock mouth protectors can be purchased at any sports store, and they are designed to fit any mouth. The fit, however, is not precise, and the mouthguard offers little protection and comfort.

• Boil and bite mouth protectors become malleable when soaked in boiling water, and then molded to fit the person’s teeth. However, the material they are made of doesn’t offer the best protection one could get.

• Custom mouth protectors can be made in most dental offices and will perfectly fit the child’s mouth and teeth. They are fit for prolonged use and they don’t disturb breathing or speech. 
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Taking Care of Your Mouthguard

Because it is exposed to the bacteria in the mouth, a mouthguard has to be cleaned thoroughly after each use. If hygiene is neglected, a dirty mouthguard can promote tooth decay and plaque. You can easily clean the mouthguard with fresh water and mild soap, using a toothbrush. It has to be dried or kept in freshwater if it’s made of acryl. 
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Can I Wear a Mouthguard If I Have Braces?

Yes, children with braces can wear custom-made mouthguards to protect their teeth. Patients with braces on the lower teeth can get guards for the lower jaw as well to decrease the risks of injury even further. 
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Book Your Appointment Today

If your child needs a mouthguard, book an appointment with the friendly team at First Smiles Children’s Dentistry and we will create the perfect device for your little one.

Contact us now to book your appointment.