What is a mouthguard and why would my child need one?
Mouthguards are important for active kids and teenagers to protect their growing teeth and surrounding oral structures. Mouthguards cushion the impact from sports-related trauma that could otherwise cause broken teeth, jaw injuries, or cuts on the lip, tongue or face.
Can’t I just buy one at the drug store?
In our office, we create mouthguards that are custom-made to fit your child’s mouth, which makes them more comfortable and effective than the over-the-counter versions. Our custom-made mouth guards stay in the mouth and only cause minimal interference with speech. Treating a sports-related dental injury can cost thousands of dollars, so it’s wise to invest in the mouthguard to prevent the injury in the first place.
Are mouthguards only for child athletes?
Any kid or adult involved in any recreational activity, including skateboarding or snowboarding, that could result in injury to the mouth can benefit from a custom-made mouthguard.
By: Anna Goodenough, RDH