Many parents and guardians are already aware that helping their kids brush and floss their teeth consistently can help prevent common oral issues, like cavities and gum disease, that can often lead to dental emergencies.
But urgent oral issues can also be caused by physical trauma during sports or other close-contact physical activities. A mouthguard can help shield your child’s smile, but you might be wondering whether it’s worth investing in a customized device rather than a store-bought one. Continue reading to learn about 3 advantages of getting a well-fitted oral appliance from your child’s dentist!
Benefit #1: Improved Fit
The purpose of a mouthguard is to cover your child’s teeth and gums to help absorb the shock of a blow so that no single tooth bears the brunt of the damage. This can be a simple and effective way to prevent various injuries, such as chips, cracks, breaks, or even destabilized or dislodged teeth or restorations.
You might feel tempted to pick a cheaper over-the-counter solution, but store-bought guards often rely on a “boil-and-bite” method to try to tailor them to your child’s mouth. This leaves plenty of room for error, making the guard less likely to be effective.
Benefit #2: Increased Comfort
Store-bought mouthguards that don’t fit as well are also more likely to cause discomfort when your child wears them. These devices are already large and bulky, and ‘boil-and-bite’ materials tend to be heavier and thicker than the ones your family dentist would use.
Not only that, but minor gaps or other errors in the fit can increase friction against your kid’s connective tissues. This can result in blisters or sores that can cause aches or irritation when they insert the protective gear into their mouths the next time they have to wear it.
Benefit #3: Better Wearability
If your child’s mouthguard doesn’t fit well, feels uncomfortable, or is challenging for them to insert or remove, they may be less likely to use it. This can put their still-developing smile at risk of sustaining serious injuries, like tooth loss, that can potentially affect their dental health long-term. For instance, did you know that sources report that mouthguard users are estimated to be between 82% and 93% less likely to suffer dental injuries?
That means getting a well-fitted mouthguard from your child’s dentist can significantly help reduce the risk to their dental health when they participate in team sports or other close-contact activities.
If you have additional questions about recommended ways to help protect your child’s smile, you can learn more by contacting their dentist directly!
Meet the Author
Dr. Tonie Lewis has 15+ years of experience helping patients of all ages improve their daily lives by enhancing their dental health. She earned her dental degree from the Howard University College of Dentistry, where she received the Community Dentistry Award and the Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Award. Today, she offers a complete menu of services, including athletic mouthguards for kids, to meet your family’s unique needs conveniently under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (972) 954-9728.