Guarding the Smiles of Our Young Athletes: The Essential Role of Mouthguards
Why Mouthguards are a Must-Have for Kids in Sports
Hello everyone, I’m Dr. Mila Cohen, a Pediatric Dentist and Professor at True Dental Assistant School in Jersey City, New Jersey. Today, I want to talk about an important topic that often gets overlooked – the critical role mouthguards play in children’s sports safety.
As parents and caregivers, we do everything possible to ensure our children are safe while participating in their favorite sports activities. We invest in helmets and pads but often forget about one crucial piece of protective gear – the mouthguard.
The Importance of Mouthguards for Children's Sports Safety
Mouthguards serve as a protective shield for your child’s teeth during sports activities. They cushion blows that might otherwise cause broken teeth or injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. With over 5 million teeth being knocked out each year during sports activities according to National Youth Sports Safety Foundation (NYSSF), it becomes essential that we prioritize this simple yet effective tool.
In fact, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to damage their teeth! Hence it is not just an accessory but must-have gear when it comes to kids’ safety on the field or court.
Choosing the Right Mouthguard
Selecting an appropriate mouthguard is just as important as deciding on using one in the first place. Here are some factors you should consider:
1) Comfort: Your child won’t wear something uncomfortable so comfort should be your top priority.
2) Fit: A well-fitted mouthguard provides better protection than one that is ill-fitting.
3) Durability: Choose materials that can withstand high impact forces without tearing or breaking.
4) Easy-to-clean: Since kids will be using it frequently, it should be easy to clean and maintain.
There are three types of mouthguards: stock mouth protectors, boil and bite mouth protectors, and custom-fitted mouth protectors. While the first two options are readily available at sports stores, I highly recommend the third option – the custom-fit. While this might initially be a bit more expensive, the custom fit provides superior protection since it is designed specifically for your child’s unique dental structure.
As a Pediatric Dentist for kids in Jersey City NJ with years of experience in safeguarding children’s oral health, I can’t stress enough how vital a role these simple devices play in protecting our young athletes’ smiles. So next time your child gears up for their favorite sport activity remember to include a mouthguard in their kit.
At True Dental Assistant School we not only teach our students about the importance of dental safety but also strive to educate parents on this crucial aspect. Remember – A safe smile is always the winning smile!
In conclusion, investing in a good quality mouthguard is an investment towards your child’s safety during sports activities. It’s not just about preventing injuries today – it’s about ensuring healthy smiles that last into adulthood.
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