Summer is over. Before we know it, the leaves will be falling and winter will be here. As the seasons change and kids are back at school, contact sports like football, hockey and wrestling are starting. These sports can lead to mouth injuries among our young athletes. While dentists around the world recommend wearing mouthguards, many young children don’t use them while playing these sports.
Most guards are often mandatory for young athletes who play sports like hockey or football. However, as your Toronto dentist I recommend kids of all ages to play the sports should wear mouthguard to protect their teeth. Some children might not think they are useful or necessary. But mouth guards provide a lot of benefit when it comes to keeping our teeth healthy, strong and lasting.
These Carmen sports can lead to serious most injuries if the proper precautions and safety measures art followed. And it is not just during game time. Mouth guards should be worn to protect your teeth and jaw during practices. It has been found that many of the injuries that work her happen during practices.
A common objection to wearing a mouth guard is that it isn’t cool or it isn’t comfortable. Try getting your young athlete used to wearing a mouth guard before they start taking part in the sport. The more comfortable they are with having a mouthguard in, the more likely they will use it as much as possible.
With so many mouthguard options available, how do you choose the right one for your athlete? Let’s take a closer look at some of the common things to consider when purchasing a mouth guard for your young rising star.
Stock Mouth Guards: These are often inexpensive and are pre-formed. But they can’t be customized to your child’s teeth and we all know that everyone’s oral structure is different. They might be common, but they aren’t as effective as other types.
Mouth-formed Mouth Guards: These are often found at any sporting goods store or athletic store near you. They can be moulded to your child’s mouth using boiling water, which softens the plastic. These are slightly more expensive but provide a better fit and more protection.
Custom-made Mouth Guards: These are considered the best option for safety and fit. However, these are the most expensive. These mouth guards are made by a dentist using a custom mould. They offer a perfect fit and more protection.
If cost is a factor, I always recommend using whatever mouthguard you can. Because something is better than nothing when it comes to protecting our young athlete’s mouth, teeth and oral health future.
Sports are part of our culture. Hockey, football and other contact sports are activities kids look forward to participating in. Among all the excitement, just remember to keep your child’s oral health in mind and ensure they are using a mouthguard to mitigate injuries and maintain the health of their teeth for years to come.
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