Family Dentist FAQs: When Should My Child Wear a Mouthguard?
If your child plays a sport or is active, you might ask the family dentist to create a customized mouthguard. With a sports mouthguard, the child will not have injuries to the mouth. It can prevent dental emergencies from occurring. Keep reading to learn more from a family dentist about these essential tools.
If a child plays a contact sport, including soccer or football, the child might be at a higher risk of an injury. That is why the family dentist often recommends wearing a mouthguard during play. That can cover the upper teeth and protect the child from receiving a blow to their face. Having a dental emergency could cut the season short. However, the family dentist can come up with a custom mouthguard for a better fit.
The mouthguard will mainly protect the upper teeth. That is important since these teeth are even more susceptible to injuries than the lower teeth. Of course, it is also possible to get mouthguards for the bottom teeth. The family dentist can recommend which guards are the right ones.
The mouthguard will not last forever, especially if the child often plays sports. It could last longer with the right care, however. If the child chews the guard, the piece could lose its shape. However, even with regular use, the child will need to have a new one every six months or more.
Regular cleaning is essential to prevent cavities from developing. That means the child will want to rinse the mouthguard every time it comes out of the mouth. And the child will want to brush it with cool soapy water since warm water can cause it to lose shape. The child should also allow it to dry, so there is no moisture remaining. Otherwise, bacteria could grow.
If the child has braces, the family dentist can create a mouthguard that protects these appliances. When the mouthguard is loose, it might catch on the braces, causing soft tissue injuries. And having a blow to the child’s face can damage the braces. The dentist can create one that can fit over the braces, protecting the teeth better.
A family dentist can create a custom mouthguard for the child. The ones that parents order online are not the right fit for the child. These might not be as expensive, but they also do not offer much protection. These mouthguards might be too loose to be of much use.
If your child plays sports or is active, you might want to make an appointment to have a mouthguard made for your child. That way, your child will not have a dental emergency. It can keep the child more comfortable while playing. Making an appointment today is the first step.
Request an appointment here: https://www.mydentistinscottsdale.com or call Sarko Dental Associates at (480) 951-2782 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Mouth Guards in Scottsdale, AZ.
Call (480) 951-2782 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
