Each year, thousands of facial injuries are experienced by both children and adults while on the playing field, on the basketball court, biking or skating, and doing other activities. So what can you do to protect your little sports star’s smile while he’s playing? Make sure he wears a mouthguard.
According to the American Dental Association, a properly fitted mouthguard, or mouth protector, is an important piece of athletic gear that can protect your child’s teeth and smile. It is a resilient appliance that is placed inside the mouth, usually to fit over the surfaces of the teeth and gum. This way, it provides a protective surface to distribute and dissipate transmitted forces on impact, minimizing the risk of trauma to the lips and intraoral tissues, such as lacerations, crown or root fractures, luxations and avulsions.
Costs of a mouthguard
Athletic mouthguards vary from inexpensive, preformed plastic trays designed for use without any modification, to custom-made, individually-designed devices that fit a child’s teeth perfectly. Of course, the custom-made mouthguard has better retention and comfort, less interference with speech and breathing, and more adaptability to orthodontic appliances.
Choosing a mouthguard
Choosing a mouthguard can be a challenging task. However, when making your decision, be sure you select a mouthguard that not only is resilient, tear-resistant and comfortable, but is also durable, easy to clean, and fits properly in your child’s mouth.
Taking care of a mouthguard
• Before and after each use, rinse it with cold water or an antiseptic mouth rinse. You can also clean it with toothpaste and a toothbrush.
• Use a firm, perforated container to store or transport your mouthguard.
• Avoid high temperatures, such as hot water, hot surfaces or direct sunlight, as this will minimize distortion of the mouthguard.
• Have regular dental check-ups in order to make sure that your mouthguard is always in good condition to provide effective protection without irritating your mouth.
House of Orthodontia [122 Atlantic Ave. in Brooklyn, (718) 852-4414]. Specializes in adult and child orthodontics. To find out more, visit houseoforthodontia.com.
References
1. “Video soccer,” available at: www.videosoccer.net/football-news/messi-knocks-out-maicons-teeth.html
2. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Policy on prevention of sports-related injuries. Available at: www.aapd.org/media/policies_guidelines/p_sports.pdf
3. Cohenca N, Roges RA, Roges R. The incidence and severity of dental trauma in intercollegiate athletes. J Am Dent Assoc 2007; 138:1121-1126
4. American Dental Association. The importance of using mouthguards: Tips for keeping your smile safe. J Am Dent Assoc 2004; 135:1061
5. American Dental Association. Using mouthguards to reduce the incidence and severity of sports-related oral injuries. J Am Dent Assoc 2006; 137:1712-1720
6. American Dental Association. Do you need a mouthguard? J Am Dent Assoc 2001; 132:1066
