It can happen when you least expect it—your child is on the field, their team is winning, and the clock is running out, when suddenly, a foul ball, flung elbow, or slip and fall damages or knocks out one of their teeth! While this can be alarming, did you know it’s also a scenario that can often be prevented entirely with the use of an athletic mouthguard? Here’s more about these essential, custom-made oral appliances and why the start of a new school year is the perfect time to set your child up with one.
Do Mouthguards Really Offer a Lot of Protection?
In the same way that helmets protect against head trauma and concussions, or how chest pads guard the vulnerable organs inside the torso, a mouthguard shields the teeth and gums from physical impact. They’re normally made of soft, flexible materials that can be molded to custom-fit the curves and contours of your child’s mouth.
By absorbing the force of a physical impact and redistributing it across the whole mouth, rather than just the point of contact, mouthguards can greatly reduce the severity of dental injuries that occur during sports. Simply put, if this force is absorbed by all of the teeth, rather than just one or two, it’s less likely to cause serious harm.
But the best part about mouthguards is their convenience; they’re small, affordable, kid-friendly, and easy to maintain, all while being undeniably effective!
What Should I Do If My Child Still Suffers a Dental Injury?
While mouthguards do provide an immense level of protection for athletes of all levels across many different sports, they aren’t perfect—and in some cases, it’s still possible your child might suffer an injury to their smile (it might also happen during a moment when they aren’t wearing their mouthguard). In these situations, the last thing you should do is panic, since your reaction helps to set the tone, and keeping a cool head will also help your child remain calm.
If the injury is a knocked-out tooth, do your best to quickly locate it and store it in a plastic container until you can bring your child to their emergency dentist. Call ahead and let them know what happened, and they’ll try to get you in quickly since teeth have the best chance of being saved within an hour of getting displaced. In the case of other dental injuries, cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers can also be useful in the moments leading up to their appointment.
Dental injuries can be frightening, both as a parent and as a young athlete. However, with an athletic mouthguard in their gear bag, your child can stay smiling while on the field this upcoming fall season!
About the Practice
The team here at Kids’ Smiles on Lincoln has proudly served the needs of families in Worcester and the surrounding communities for several years, with Dr. Myles Clancy leading the way. We offer a wide range of pediatric services, including custom-made athletic mouthguards that are designed for both comfort and protection during all kinds of sports. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule an appointment for your child, you can reach us online or call our office for more information. Telephone: (508) 290-0090.