What Parents Should Know About Mouthguards

Mouthguards are often highly recommended when playing contact sports. They can also help to protect the teeth from dental issues like grinding and clenching. Before you get your child mouthguards, here's all you need to know about them.

Not Enough Children Wear Them

Mouthguards protect the teeth from harm, but not enough parents are using them. Delta Dental Plans Association called for research into the area, only to find that children who play contact sports and those dangerous to the mouth aren't wearing the right protection. In fact, seven out of ten children don't wear mouthguards and are putting themselves at risk of losing teeth, damaging the gums, and experiencing tooth decay. Since mouthguards became compulsory for football players, mouth injuries have dropped considerably.

You Can Get Professionally Made Ones

The cheapest mouthguards are bought in sports stores. These are made to standard sizes and aren't always the most comfortable. However, they tend to be better than nothing and will still offer adequate protection to the teeth and gums.

It is possible to get mouthguards professionally made. They will be fitted by a dentist to work with your child's exact mouth shape. This is especially beneficial for those who have teeth that are crooked or those who need to sleep in their guards to protect the enamel on their teeth.

Mouthguards Protect Braces

If your child gets brace-work during the teen years, getting a mouthguard is highly recommended for playing sports. It doesn't matter what type of sport your child plays. If there is any risk of trauma to the mouth, getting a guard will help to keep your child's teeth safe.

Hits to the mouth that is fitted with braces will lead to extra visits to the orthodontist. There is the risk of doing more damage due to the material of the braces catching the lips and inside of the cheeks.

They Don't Stop the Root of Grinding

Grinding the teeth is a major problem for your child's oral health. Mouthguards are often prescribed to help protect the teeth during the night, when the child isn't able to make a conscious decision about grinding.

Some dentists have stopped prescribing mouthguards for grinding; the guards won't treat the problem, but they do offer a solution for the symptoms. If you do decide to opt for a guard, make sure you take steps to stop the grinding at the same time.

Mouthguards are mandatory for some sports and highly recommended for others. They are also beneficial to protect the teeth from dental problems. Make sure you know all the facts about the mouthguard you buy to ensure it is the best dental and orthodontic option for your child.  

Find out more about what kind of mouthguard your child should have by consulting a professional such as Russell M Morrell DMD


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