It’s back-to-school season, which means kids are reentering the classroom and signing up for sports and other extracurricular activities. If you have an avid athlete in your home, you’ll want to make sure they have all the necessary gear to remain safe, no matter if it’s on the field, court, or track. But among the helmets, knee pads, and specialized shoes, what is being used to protect their smile? Read on to learn about the benefits of a customized mouthguard and why it should be included in your child’s back-to-school essentials.
What are the Benefits of a Custom Mouthguard?
A custom mouthguard is highly recommended among coaches and dentists as a reliable way to protect an athlete’s teeth and gums during a game.
Sports-related injuries are common among children and teenagers, so making sure they’re equipped with a comfortable and snug-fitting sportsguard is important. Some of the benefits they provide are:
- A custom fit as opposed to a one-size-fits-all mouthguard. By having a dentist create an appliance that is fabricated using impressions taken of your child’s smile, the result can be a mouthguard that is comfortable to wear and adequately protects their teeth, gums, jaw, and lips.
- Premium protection while on the field. When worn properly on the top row of teeth, a custom mouthguard can absorb excessive pressure so that it does not land on one particular tooth or area of the mouth. Instead, it is spread out, reducing potential damage.
- A more cost-effective solution than store-bought varieties. While you are likely to pay more for a custom mouthguard, you can expect them to last much longer. One-size-fits-all brands tend to wear out quickly, so you’re forced to buy a new one more frequently. With a custom mouthguard, though, you can avoid spending additional dollars on replacements as well as reduce the potential for out-of-pocket costs associated with dental injuries during a game.
When Should a Mouthguard Be Used?
Custom mouthguards are generally recommended for children and teenagers who enjoy playing contact sports, like football, baseball, basketball, rugby, lacrosse, soccer, softball, volleyball, boxing, skateboarding, and more.
They’re also helpful if you have a child who enjoys climbing on playground equipment or trees, as an accidental fall can result in a cracked tooth if their smile is left unprotected. With a custom mouthguard, though, you can expect your child to feel more confident while having fun.
Don’t let the school year get underway without equipping your star athlete or outdoor-loving kid with proper mouth protection. Ensuring their smile remains damage-free throughout the year will keep them happier on and off the field.
About the Author
Dr. Moji Chandy earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from NYU College of Dentistry. Opening Aegis Dental in 2012, she and her team continue to deliver high-quality services to individuals living in and around Carrollton. Providing custom-made mouthguards to patients, she can offer maximum protection against sudden falls, tackles, or foul balls, keeping your child’s smile safe during every game. Visit our website or call (972) 492-6700 if you want to discuss how you can make sure your athlete’s teeth, gums, lips, and jaw remain safe.