Keeping your child’s teeth healthy involves more than just brushing, flossing, and regular checkups. If your kids are active in sports or other physical activities, protecting them with a mouthguard is important.
What is a Mouth Guard?
Also known as sports guards or protectors, a mouth guard protects the teeth and other structures of the mouth from trauma. Wearing a mouth guard while playing sports reduces the risk of breaking or chipping teeth from impact. Many types also protect against trauma to the lips, tongue, jaw, and face.
What are the Benefits of a Mouth Guard?
- Prevents loss of teeth
- Reduces chances of chipped or cracked teeth
- Protects braces
- Prevents damage from bruxism – grinding of the teeth
- Reduces the severity of injuries to the soft tissues like gums, tongue, lips and inner cheeks
It is a good idea to get you kids in the habit of using mouthguards when they play impact sports. The habit can protect them if they continue to play in their teen and adult years.
Certain organized sports, like hockey, football, and lacrosse often require a mouthguard. However, even if the rules don’t require a mouthguard, it is in your child’s best interest (and your wallet’s) to wear one.
Mouth Guards & Sleeping
A mouth guard may also be recommended if your child grinds their teeth at night (bruxism), has sleep apnea or frequently snores.
Wearing a mouthguard specifically for bruxism protects the teeth from the pressure and the trauma of grinding when the child isn’t aware of it happening.
Mouthguards that help with sleep apnea and snoring repositions the tongue and bite to keep the airway open during sleep.
Mouthguards are not a one size fits all device, especially for children. Here at Pediatric Dental Specialists of Western Colorado we want the best for your child and their teeth. If your child needs a mouthguard for sports, sleep or other issues, we will be happy to guide you on the best options for your child.
Our Commitment to Excellence
We use the highest quality dental materials, the best dental supplies available, and superior laboratories. We have found that mouthguards, if designed well and used properly, serve their purpose and stand the test of time. Our patients keep coming back because of the special care they receive while in our experienced hands.
Please don’t hesitate to call us at (970) 639-9551 if you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment.