Protecting Your Childs Teeth During Sports
Basketball season is now here, which is a perfect time to revisit the topic of protecting your child’s teeth during sports. Sporting activities provide children and adolescents with fun and learning all while engaged in a sport that they enjoy. It is always exciting to gear up for a new season with new jerseys, new shoes, and new equipment. It is also crucial that as a parent you remember that it is your responsibility to care for your child’s teeth and remembering that they need to be protected during any physical sport.
Throughout this school year alone, there will be close to 15 million children and adolescents that participate in a contact sport. Of these 15 million participants, more than ten percent will suffer from a mouth related injury. If you do the math, that is 2,250,000 young people that will injure their mouth and/or teeth. Protecting the teeth is extremely important during sports no matter what your age is. There is always the possibility of long-term, permanent damage that can occur as a direct result of any type of blow to the face. By having your child wear a protective mouth guard, his/her teeth and mouth can be protected from trauma and injury. A protective mouth guard should be a standard piece of equipment any time your child is involved in a sport with any type of physical contact.
There are certainly a variety of options regarding protective mouth guards. One option that many people have tried is the over-the-counter “boil and bite” mouth guard. This option is never ideal simply because there is not a one-size-fits-all mouth. Everyone’s mouth is different in size, teeth placement, jaw alignment, etc. An ill-fitting mouth guard can be uncomfortable, ineffective, and can cause distractions while participating in sports so that your child does not play well. Custom mouth guards made by your dentist are the ideal option for protecting your child’s teeth during sports. These mouth guards are crafted to fit every groove and curvature of your child’s mouth so that they fit properly and comfortably, effectively doing their job of protecting the teeth.
Dr. Wayne G. Suway has been successfully practicing dentistry for over 35 years. He has seen the damaging effects that can occur when teeth are left unprotected during contact sports. Contact our practice today to learn more about custom mouth guard and how they can protect your child’s teeth from permanent damage.
Posted on behalf of
1820 The Exchange SE, #600
Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (770) 953-1752
FAX: (770) 953-6470
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