The start of a new school year is full of opportunities for your child; they’ll be in new classes, they’ll be making new friends, and for many, they’ll be starting off a new sport or returning to one they already love. Whether your child plays football, soccer, basketball, hockey, water polo, or something else, one thing is for certain: they need an athletic mouthguard to protect their smile! And the beginning of the new year is the perfect time to get one from their dentist. Here’s why.
Why Mouthguards from Dentists are the Superior Option
Athletic mouthguards work by shielding the teeth and gums from physical injuries, which are more likely to occur during certain sports. They work by redistributing the force of the blow across the whole mouth, rather than the point of impact—which makes it a little less jarring to your teeth.
The truth is, while the mouthguards sold at sporting goods stores are certainly inexpensive and convenient to quickly pick up before a game, they don’t provide close to the same level of protection as those provided by your child’s dentist. But in addition to providing better protection, they’re also made to fit snugly and comfortably—so your child will be able to breathe and speak more easily, which means they’ll more likely want to wear it.
The Benefits of Wearing an Athletic Mouthguard
Here are some more specific benefits to wearing an athletic mouthguard:
- You’re greatly lowering the chances of your child sustaining a severe dental emergency like a fractured or displaced tooth.
- By preventing dental injuries with the use of a mouthguard, you’re cutting down on potential future dental costs that could result from unexpected accidents.
- Just like brushing and flossing, wearing a mouthguard will gradually become a part of their oral hygiene routine—setting their smile up for a positive future.
Getting a custom mouth guard now for your child means they’re ready for the entire school year—and sports season—that lies ahead! Don’t hesitate to speak with their dentist about getting one of these devices before they take the field for the first time.
About the Practice
Under the leadership of the talented Dr. Nisha Mehta, our team here at Wellspring Pediatric Dentistry has proudly served the needs of families in Katy and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide range of pediatric dental services for children of all ages, including custom-made sportsguards! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment for your child, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (281) 849-3003.