As the leaves start to fall and the school year kicks into gear, so does the season for football, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, and other contact sports. While you’re checking off items on your child’s sports gear list, don’t forget to include a mouthguard. It might be small, but it plays a big role in protecting your child’s teeth, jaw, and smile.
Here’s everything you need to know about mouthguards for your child’s fall sports season, so you can protect their smile and keep them in the game.
Why Are Mouthguards So Important?
Sports-related dental injuries are more common than you might think. The Canadian Dental Association reports that athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries without a mouthguard.
Common sports-related dental injuries include:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Jaw injuries
- Cuts to the lips, cheeks, and tongue
A mouthguard acts as a cushion that absorbs impact and reduces the risk of serious injury to the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth.
Who Needs a Mouthguard?
If your child plays any contact or collision sport, a mouthguard is a must. This includes sports like football, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, basketball, and wrestling, where there’s a high risk of facial and dental injuries from direct contact with other players or equipment. Even in non-contact sports like gymnastics or baseball, a mouthguard provides crucial protection against injuries from falls or unexpected accidents. A mouthguard acts as a cushion to absorb impact, significantly reducing the risk of chipped teeth, jaw fractures, and other painful dental emergencies.
- Football
- Soccer
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Basketball
- Wrestling
- Skateboarding or biking
- Ruby
Even in non-contact sports like gymnastics or baseball, there’s still a risk of falls or collisions! so when in doubt, protect that smile with a well-fitting mouthguard to ensure your child stays safe.
Types of Mouthguards
When it comes to choosing a mouthguard, it’s important to know your options. There are three main types available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks regarding fit, cost, and level of protection. While a custom-fit mouthguard from your dentist is the clear winner for safety and comfort, understanding the other options can help you make an informed choice for your child’s needs this sports season.
1. Stock Mouthguards
- Pre-formed and ready to wear
- Inexpensive and widely available
- Limited fit and protection
- May be bulky and make talking/breathing difficult
2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
- Made of thermoplastic material
- Softened in hot water and molded to the mouth
- Better fit than stock guards
- Available in most sporting goods stores
3. Custom-Fit Mouthguards (Best Option)
- Made by your dentist from a mold of your child’s teeth
- Provides the best fit, comfort, and protection
- Especially recommended for children with braces
- Well worth the cost as it’s the best for protection and durability
Keep Your Young Athlete in the Game—Safely
A mouthguard is a small investment that can prevent painful (and costly) dental emergencies. Whether your child is heading into a full-contact sport or just enjoying some recreational activity, make sure they’re suited up with a mouthguard that fits well and protects their winning smile. A dental injury can be incredibly traumatic for a child and lead to thousands of dollars in restorative dental work over the years. By simply providing a properly fitted mouthguard, you are taking the most effective preventative measure against broken, chipped, or lost teeth, protecting your child’s health and your wallet in the long run.
Want to get a custom mouthguard made for your child this season? Call us today to schedule a quick impression appointment! We’ll have your athlete ready for action—with their smile safely guarded, in about 1 weeks time!