Mouthguards are not necessary for every sport, and it’s easy to forget about them or ignore them, but it’s estimated that over 3 million teeth are knocked out in children’s sports every year! And if you think hockey is the only sport that causes parents to hurry their children to the dentist, you’re mistaken. Wearing a mouthguard prevents more than 200,000 dental injuries each year.
Mouthguards protect teeth from being chipped, shattered, or knocked out. They protect your child’s lips, tongue, and face and help redistribute forces in the event of a head injury. A mouthguard will not prevent a concussion, but it will help lessen the severity of the injury.
Who Should Wear Mouthguards?
Basketball, hockey, baseball, soccer, rugby, football, and lacrosse players aged 8 to 12 are often the most affected by lost or broken teeth. Even non-contact sports or recreational activities such as skating, mountain biking, or climbing can benefit from using a mouthguard.
How Does a Mouthguard Work?
Mouthguards are thin, flexible plastic devices that are worn in the mouth. They are used to hide teeth and bridge the gap between the cheeks and the gums. They function as a local shock absorber in the mouth, preventing blows to the face from striking the teeth directly. Tooth fractures are reduced as a result of shock absorption. Mouthguards protect the teeth from breaking and the cheeks and tongue from being hurt by sharp teeth.
What are the Different Types of Mouthguards?
When it comes to purchasing a mouthguard, there are two major options. A dentist can design a custom mouthguard for your child’s face and mouth, or you can buy one pre-made at a drug or sporting goods store. While both mouthguards provide protection, the custom-made mouthguard is superior for several reasons.
For you to have a personalized and custom-made mouthguard, your NE Calgary dentist will take impressions of your mouth and make one to your exact requirements. This custom mouthguard will be tailored to your specifications and manufactured material that will not degrade over time. Mouthguards built to order are typically slimmer, sleeker, and barely detectable. Custom-made mouthguards are significantly more comfortable than store-bought mouthguards because of this.
Your dentist in NE Calgary will take imprints on your mouth and make a mouthguard to your requirements. This personalized mouthguard will be designed to suit you exactly and will not wear down over time. Mouthguards created to order are usually smaller and sleeker and are barely discernible. Custom-made mouthguards are, therefore, significantly more comfortable than store-bought mouthguards. And if it’s more comfortable, your youngster is more inclined to wear it regularly.
Are mouthguards required for children’s contact sports? It is. Mouthguards protect your child’s mouth from injury and reduce the risk of long-term damage. Our goal at McCall Dental is to make dental treatment for your child as simple and comfortable as possible. We can custom fit your child with a mouthguard to their exact requirements, giving you peace of mind that they are enjoying their favorite sport safely. Call us at 587-747-0888 to book an appointment!