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Does My Child Need A Mouth Guard While Playing Sports? Yes – And Here’s Why!

If your child plays a contact sport or has an “extreme” hobby like skateboarding or mountain biking, you may be wondering if they should wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth. The answer is “yes!” 

Wearing a sports mouthguard is one of the best ways to prevent oral injuries since oral injuries can cause lots of pain and discomfort. Investing in a mouth guard will give you peace of mind and ensures that your child is protected when they play. Learn more in this blog from Saginaw Kids Dentistry and see why mouth guards are so important.

Mouth Guards Dramatically Reduce The Risk Of Oral Injuries In Contact Sports

There have been a lot of studies on athletic mouth guards and how they reduce the risk of oral injuries. All studies show that wearing mouthguards is one of the best ways to prevent common oral injuries. One study, in particular, found that athletes who wear mouthguards are 82%-93% less likely to suffer from serious oral injuries while participating in their sport.

Mouthguards spread out the force across all teeth and gums when an athlete's mouth is struck. This reduces the overall impact, which helps prevent dental emergencies like cracked, broken, loose, or even knocked-out teeth. Mouthguards also help prevent and reduce cuts to the tongue, gums, and cheeks. 

Understanding The Benefits Of Custom-Made Sports Mouthguards

Many people use “boil and bite” mouthguards. These are plastic mouthguards that are “one size fits all.” These types of mouthguards are boiled in hot water to allow the plastic to soften. Then, when the child bites down, an impression is left in the material. The material hardens as it cools, providing a semi-custom fit.

Wearing a boil and bite mouthguard is better than not wearing one at all. However, board certified pediatric dentists like Dr. Elias Chahine and Dr. Christina Huynh can create custom-fitted mouthguards that are superior to boil and bite mouthguards.

Here are just a few benefits of choosing a custom-fitted mouthguard:

  • Better comfort – Custom-made mouthguards have no excess material and are even in thickness. Boil and bite mouthguards can be uneven, which makes them less comfortable.

  • Improved fit – Dr. Elias and Dr. Christina take detailed impressions of your child’s teeth and work with a dental lab to fabricate a custom sports mouthguard. This type of mouthguard results in a much better fit, and ensures that your child can breathe properly and stay comfortable during their sport.

  • Enhanced protection – Custom-built mouthguards use stronger materials and are more durable, which means they provide more cushioning and protection compared to off-the-shelf sports mouthguards.

  • Longer lifespan – Since custom-fitted sports mouthguards are made of more durable materials, they last longer than boil and bite mouthguards, which are prone to wearing out and failing more quickly.

Does Your Child Need A Sports Mouth Guard? Contact Us For A Consultation

Whether you’re gearing up for your child’s next sports season or whether your child is overdue for a dental checkup in Saginaw, our pediatric dental team is here to help. Contact Saginaw Kids Dentistry online or give us a call at (682) 285-1900 to schedule the care your child needs. We’re always happy to meet new patients, so get in touch and schedule their first appointment with Dr. Christina or Dr. Elias today.

Further reading:

Welcome to Saginaw Kids Dentistry

Welcome to Saginaw Kids Dentistry

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Why Choose A Pediatric Dentist Over A General Dentist?

Why Choose A Pediatric Dentist Over A General Dentist?

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Learn More!
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Become a Part of OUR Family Today!

At the heart of Saginaw Kids Dentistry is our passion for meeting families, seeing them grow, and being a trustworthy presence for kids and parents alike. If you’re ready to join our patient family, book a visit online today! We are excited to meet you and your child.

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