Consider a Mouthguard for Your Young Athlete
Brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups are the basic requirements when it comes to maintaining healthy smiles for each member of your family. However, your child has certain dental needs that may require additional consideration. It’s important to care for your child’s teeth even when they are away from home or the dental office, especially if they participate in sports.
You’ll need to recruit the help of your pediatric dentist in Charlotte in order to identify your child’s risk or dental injuries, and for suggestions on the best way to prevent them. In addition to traditional sports, many children suffer injuries to the face and mouth while enjoying various activities:
- Biking
- Skateboarding
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Football
- Soccer
Typically, prevention is the first (and best) line of defense against an accident. An important preventive solution is a properly fitting mouthguard or occlusal guard during all athletic activities. The mouthguard will become especially valuable as the permanent teeth start to come in, generally around the age of 7.
The type of mouthguard that is right for your child can be determined by your dentist. There are a number of “boil and bite” mouthguards that can be purchased at the store and then molded at home. You’ll need to find the size and shape that is appropriate for your child, and the guard may need to be trimmed or adjusted at home.
You may also obtain a custom-fitted mouthguard from the dental office. A custom guard generally costs a little more than a store-bought guard, but offers added benefits. Custom guards can be expected to fit more comfortably, providing better coverage and better protection for your child’s smile.
The value of a properly fitting mouthguard cannot be underestimated. Children who suffer dental injuries generally require extensive dental treatment and ongoing care for the rest of their lives. Millions of adults each year are faced with the challenge of replacing bonding, crowns, or bridges that are the result of a childhood injury.
It is possible to restore a damaged smile, but there’s nothing like your child’s original smile. Talk to Charlotte pediatric dentist, Dr. Bevin Malley today about a mouthguard for your child.