Sports can be a great way for kids to improve their fitness, build relationships, and develop skills applicable to daily life. However, if your child plays sports or is highly active, there is always a minor risk of injury. A properly fitted mouthguard is an important piece of athletic gear that can help protect your child’s smile. Mouthguards can also help protect against jaw pain, TMJ development, and tooth erosion if your child suffers from bruxism.
Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of custom-made mouthguards for kids.
How Mouthguards Prevent Injuries
Often, dental injuries occur when children are playing their favorite sport or simply running around outside. These types of injuries may include broken, cracked, chipped, or knocked out teeth. Such injuries are typically painful and can result in serious dental health issues if left untreated.
Mouthguards help protect teeth and prevent injuries in a number of ways, including the following:
- Mouthguards absorb and redirect force that is applied to the jaw, chin, or face.
- Mouthguards help shield soft oral tissues from impacting with teeth (i.e. biting your lip, tongue, or cheek).
- Mouthguards keep the top and bottom rows of teeth from colliding.
- Mouthguards help lessen the chances of suffering a dislocated jaw.
- Mouthguards can potentially help decrease the risk of concussion by absorbing the impact that would normally occur between the upper and lower jaw.
- Mouthguards provide a cushion for dental restorations that may be susceptible to damage upon impact.
Consistently wearing a mouthguard during sports activities can help your child avoid oral injuries and injuries to the face or jaw. Preventing such negative dental experiences early in life can also help protect your child’s smile and jaw development.
Mouthguards for Teeth Grinding
Children can suffer from what is known as bruxism, or teeth grinding. If your child grinds their teeth or clenches their jaw at night, it can lead to cracked or chipped teeth, dental erosion, jaw pain, muscle soreness, headaches, and a number of other symptoms.
A mouthguard worn while your child sleeps prevents the top and bottom rows of teeth from grinding against each other. This device may also be called a night guard. It protects your child’s teeth from injury and their overall oral health.
Types of Mouthguards
Based on your child’s age and daily activities, our pediatric dentist near Chicago, IL can provide recommendations for a mouthguard. The three most popular types of mouthguards include:
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Ready-Made Mouthguards
Mouthguards that are pre-made are ready to be used as soon as you take them out of the box. For some individuals the fit is close enough to provide protection, but they’re typically bulkier and less secure than custom options.
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Mouth-Adapted Guards
Mouth-adapted mouthguards are also known as ‘boil-and-bite’ mouthguards. These are designed to be softened with hot water before being placed in the mouth and forming to your teeth.
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Custom Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards or night guards are created by a pediatric dentist. These oral appliances can be made to fit your child’s mouth perfectly based on impressions of their teeth. This is a great option to explore if you have an active child, especially if they’re involved in contact sports.
No matter what type of mouthguard your child needs, the pediatric dental professionals at Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our dental office!
Get Both Comfort and Protection
When it comes to protecting your child’s developing smile, you want a device that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for effectiveness. It’s important that the mouthguard you choose is both secure and allows for easy breathing.
It may go without saying, but the greatest benefit of having a custom-made mouthguard is its perfect fit. In many cases an ill-fitting mouthguard causes distractions and reduced performance. Other times, many kids simply won’t wear them because they’re uncomfortable. Additionally, a custom fit mouthguard is going to be more effective at protecting your child’s teeth and jaw than one that isn’t truly secure.
Your Pediatric Dentist Near Chicago – Mouthguards for A Healthy Smile
Visiting our office to get fitted for a custom mouthguard is much easier than having to come in for a dental emergency in Chicago. Get in touch with one of our helpful staff members if you have any questions regarding this service for your child. Our team works to make every aspect of your child’s dental visit as stress-free and comfortable as possible.
Reach out today by calling (708) 448-6700 or contact us online to schedule an appointment at Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry.
