PROTECT YOUR CHILD’S SMILE FROM INJURIES
Did you know that sports-related injuries are the number one cause of tooth loss for patients under the age of 25? As a result, it’s important to the whole team at Barco Family Dentistry that your child’s precious smile is protected from injury during sports games and practices. If your child engages in any kind of physical activity, from contact sports to solo practices, it’s imperative that they wear a mouthguard. Luckily, Dr. Barco, your dentist in Bloomington, can craft a custom-made one designed to fit over your child’s teeth. Contact us today for more information.
WHY YOUR CHILD MIGHT NEED A MOUTHGUARD
As a parent, you want to keep your child safe more than anything, and having them wear a mouthguard is an integral part of that. Many parents know that high-contact sports like football and hockey can present a danger to their child’s teeth, but so can low-contact activities like basketball, tennis, swimming, cycling, and even running. Your son or daughter should wear a mouthguard during any activity where there is a chance their teeth could come in contact with hard surfaces, athletic equipment, or other players.
Additionally, some early studies indicate that wearing a mouthguard may reduce the likelihood of getting a concussion from sports injuries. Although further research is still needed on the subject, early indications show that kids and teens who wear mouthguards experience fewer concussions than those who do not protect their teeth.
BENEFITS OF A CUSTOM MOUTHGUARD VS A STORE-BOUGHT MOUTHGUARD
While it may be tempting to buy a cheap mouthguard from the sporting goods store, you’re much better off investing in a custom-made one from our team at Barco Family Dentistry. As much as over-the-counter mouthguards might advertise, mouthguards are NOT one-size-fits-all. In fact, those kinds of mouthguards hardly fit anyone in the way they need to in order to provide maximum protection. A more proper fit protects your child’s pearly whites more effectively. Your son or daughter is also more likely to wear it since it’s more comfortable. Lastly, although it may cost more to get a custom mouthguard, you will be saving more money in the long run by avoiding expensive dental work that can arise from sports injuries.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR CHILD’S MOUTHGUARD
Without regular maintenance, your child’s mouthguard can lose its shape or become damaged, lessening its effectiveness. After each use, the mouthguard should be carefully cleaned. Always use cool or lukewarm water (never hot water) to wash it, as hot water could warp the shape of the plastic. Then, use a toothbrush to clear off any leftover substances like bacteria that may be stuck on it. Another good idea, especially during the busy sports season, would be to let the mouthguard soak in a solution of half cool water and half antibacterial oral rinse at night.
When your child is not using it, the mouthguard should be stored in its protective case at room temperature. Leaving it out could attract bacteria that cause cavities or infections. Most mouthguards can last for one or more sports seasons, but it’s always a good idea to come in at the end of the season to ensure it still fits. If needed, we’re more than happy to adjust the fit or create an entirely new mouthguard for your child.