Categories: Mouth Guards

The Importance of Kids Mouth Guards in Preventing Dental Injuries

A kids mouthguard can protect your child from dental injuries. This precaution is necessary to keep your child’s mouth free from pain, bleeding, or tooth loss. You can get this custom-fit device from your dentist. Here are the important reasons for getting your child a kids mouthguard.

Protects against oral injuries while playing sports

Playing contact sports increases a child’s risk of serious oral injuries. Protecting the mouth’s components can preserve the child’s oral health. This type of shielding is possible with a kids mouthguard. Research shows this oral appliance is useful when playing boxing, basketball, and football.

A mouthguard provides a stable barrier between the soft tissues and teeth. It can prevent oral damage even after a strong facial impact. A custom-fit kids mouthguard fits comfortably around the child’s mouth. It can stay in the mouth without affecting the child’s oral health and development.

It makes wearing traditional braces easy

The dentist may recommend traditional braces for the child’s dental alignment treatment. The goal of dental straightening is to clean the teeth more easily. This makes the teeth brighter and lowers the risk of gum disease. But traditional braces are uncomfortable to wear for some young patients. A mouthguard can protect the soft tissues from scratches and scrapes due to the wires and brackets of metal braces.

Protects teeth from bruxism effects

Studies show that bruxism often happens because of anxiety or stress. About 15% of kids have this condition. This condition can cause or worsen jaw pain. The discomfort comes from the child’s teeth grinding while asleep. Bruxism can weaken and wear teeth. A kids mouthguard can wrap around the teeth and shield them from damage.

Choosing the right mouthguard

Parents must choose the right type of mouthguard for their children. This effort needs familiarity with the dental appliance. Knowing more about a mouthguard can help parents make informed decisions about the treatment. The following are some pointers to consider in choosing the right kids mouthguard:

  • Figure out the child’s activity level. It is important to know how high the child’s risk is of oral injuries.
  • Talk to the dentist about the right type of kids mouthguard. This consultation will determine which device can help the child the most.
  • Consider the fit and comfort. Custom-fit devices are comfortable and effective.
  • Include the child in selecting the right type of mouthguard. Letting the child choose can help them feel more at ease in wearing them during each activity.

When a child should wear a kids mouthguard

Research shows that a mouthguard covers the gums and teeth to shield them from dental injuries. This device can be made of acrylics, soft plastics, or laminate materials. There are also three types to consider. Custom-fit mouthguards need the skills and techniques of the dentist. These devices result from an impression of the child’s mouth.

A boil-and-bite kids mouthguard must soften in hot water first. Only then can the child wear it with a correct fit. Ready-to-wear mouthguards also available. But these devices tend to be ill-fitting. Figuring out when the child must wear a mouthguard is a good topic to discuss with the dentist. The common answer is that protecting the child’s mouth from physical injuries is never too early.

When to update the kids mouthguard

Research shows that a mouthguard also needs updating. This dental device wears down over time. Replacing it can enhance the child’s oral protection. The following are signs it is time to replace the kids mouthguard:

  • The child’s bite has changed. Dental shifting or an injury may have altered the fit of the dental device. This issue is common when the mouth is still developing. Changing the kids mouthguard may happen more than once during the formative years.
  • The device is not in good shape. Over time, the kids mouthguard may look deformed or thinner. These changes may happen when the device warps in hot temperatures.
  • The mouthguard is out of date. This device also has a warranty period. It means the kids mouthguard will be effective during a specific timeframe. The child may not get the right level of protection anymore. Replacing it with a new one can help maintain its effectiveness.

A kids mouthguard can help keep your child’s smile painless and healthy

Protecting teeth and their surrounding soft tissues can help prevent serious damage while engaging in physical activities. A child must have intact teeth during the formative years. Wearing a sturdy kids mouthguard can help prevent dental emergencies. Working with your dentist can help your child adapt better to wearing this device.

Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Mouth Guards in Middletown, NY.

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