With spring finally here, more kids will be heading outside to play sports or enjoy other outdoor activities. While athletics and being outdoors offer kids a number of vital benefits, including exercise, you should be aware of the risk posed to their teeth. In order to avoid injuries to the teeth and protect smiles, we may recommend an athletic mouthguard.
The Dangers Your Smile Faces
When playing sports, there is always a chance that your child’s face could be injured. A direct hit to the teeth or jaw could cause a tooth to become chipped, cracked, or even knocked-out. Even if the tooth appears fine, there is a chance a hairline fracture could have occurred, one that will increase the risk of decay and infection unless treated quickly. However, wearing a custom-made mouthguard can help protect your little one’s smile.
The Benefits of Athletic Mouthguards
Now, you can buy a one-size-fits-all guard at any athletics store. But the fact is, they simply don’t offer the same level of protection as a custom-made option. When we take detailed impressions of your child’s smile and use them to create one, the resulting device will fit comfortably and provide more thorough protection of their smile. Even if they sustain an injury, the guard can reduce the risk of chipped, fractured, or missing teeth. While we often create these for kids, older teens and adults that play regularly can also benefit from a custom-made mouthguard as well.
When Should I See a Dentist?
Should you sustain an injury, does that automatically mean you need to see the dentist? As we mentioned above, sometimes the damage can be minor. A small chip or crack could occur in the tooth. However, even minor damage has the potential to expose the sensitive inner tooth structure to harmful bacteria. A routine exam and allow us to carefully check the tooth for any injury that requires treatment.
Does Your Smile Need an Athletic Mouthguard?
Dr. Lawson and our team can offer a custom-made appliance to safeguard your smile against serious injuries. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling our sleep dentistry office in Urbandale, IA, at 515-278-4366.
