How Mouth Guards Can Help Prevent Mouth & Teeth Injuries During Sports and Outdoor Play
At Kids World Pediatric Dental, Dr. Torres is dedicated to keeping your child’s smile safe and healthy. One of the best ways to protect your child’s teeth during sports and outdoor play is by using a mouth guard. Whether your child is dribbling a soccer ball, riding a skateboard, or playing on the playground, a mouth guard can be a game-changer in preventing dental injuries. Let’s explore why mouth guards are essential, the types of injuries they prevent, and how a custom-fitted mouth guard from our practice can make all the difference.
The Reality of Dental Injuries in Children
Sports and outdoor activities are fantastic for children’s health, but they come with risks. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, 10-39% of all childhood dental injuries are sports-related. The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation estimated that in 2012, over 3 million teeth were knocked out in youth sporting events in the United States alone! Additionally, it’s estimated that over 25% of dental injuries treated in children are linked to sports, with the majority affecting the top front teeth. These injuries can lead to significant costs—up to $20,000 over a lifetime to treat a single missing permanent tooth—along with time lost from school and the emotional toll of dental trauma.
Types of Mouth and Teeth Injuries in Sports
Children participating in sports or outdoor play are at risk for a variety of mouth and teeth injuries, including:
Knocked-Out Teeth (Avulsion): A tooth completely dislodged from its socket, often requiring immediate care to save it.
Chipped or Fractured Teeth: Cracks or breaks in the tooth structure, which can range from minor to severe.
Displaced Teeth (Luxation): Teeth that are pushed out of alignment, either extruded (partially pushed out) or intruded (pushed into the gum).
Soft Tissue Injuries: Cuts, bruises, or lacerations to the lips, tongue, cheeks, or gums.
Jaw Fractures or Dislocations: Severe impacts can cause damage to the jawbone or temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Root Fractures: Breaks in the tooth’s root, which may not be visible but can cause significant pain and complications.
These injuries are particularly common in contact sports like football, basketball, hockey, and boxing, but even non-contact activities like skateboarding, biking, or gymnastics carry risks due to falls or accidental impacts.
The Power of Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards
A custom-fitted mouth guard is the gold standard for protecting your child’s teeth and mouth. Unlike stock or boil-and-bite mouth guards available at sporting goods stores, custom-fitted mouth guards are designed specifically for your child’s unique dental anatomy. According to the American Dental Association, athletes who don’t wear mouth guards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries. A custom-fitted mouth guard offers superior protection by:
Distributing Impact Forces: It spreads the force of a blow across all teeth, reducing the risk of damage to any single tooth.
Protecting Soft Tissues: It shields the lips, tongue, and cheeks from cuts and bruises.
Preventing Jaw Injuries: It stabilizes the jaw, helping to prevent fractures or dislocations.
Enhancing Comfort and Compliance: Custom mouth guards are comfortable, allowing your child to breathe and speak easily, which makes them more likely to wear it consistently.
Reducing Concussion Risk: While not a primary function, some studies suggest that a properly fitted mouth guard may lessen the force transmitted to the skull, potentially reducing concussion severity.
Custom mouth guards are especially important for children with braces or other dental appliances, as they provide a barrier to protect both the braces and the soft tissues from injury.
The Process for Getting a Custom-Fitted Mouth Guard
At Kids World Pediatric Dental, Dr. Torres makes the process of getting a custom-fitted mouth guard simple and straightforward. Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Consultation: During your child’s visit, Dr. Torres will assess their dental needs and discuss their sports or activities to determine the best type of mouth guard.
Dental Impressions: We’ll take precise impressions of your child’s teeth using dental putty or a digital scanner to ensure a perfect fit.
Fabrication: The impressions are sent to a dental lab, where the mouth guard is crafted from high-quality, durable materials. This process typically takes about one to two weeks.
Fitting and Instructions: At the second visit, Dr. Torres will check the mouth guard for an exact fit and provide guidance on how to wear, clean, and store it properly.
Follow-Up Care: Bring the mouth guard to regular dental checkups to ensure it still fits well, especially as your child’s teeth and jaw develop.
The entire process is quick—often just two 20-minute visits—and results in a mouth guard tailored to your child’s needs, offering years of protection.
Why Parents Should Prioritize Mouth Guards
Parents play a critical role in ensuring their child’s safety during sports and outdoor play. Just as you wouldn’t let your child play football without a helmet or ride a bike without a helmet, a mouth guard should be considered essential gear. The American Dental Association recommends mouth guards for a wide range of activities, including football, basketball, soccer, hockey, wrestling, skateboarding, biking, and gymnastics. Making mouth guards a non-negotiable part of your child’s gear can:
Prevent Painful and Costly Injuries: A single dental injury can lead to extensive treatment and lifelong consequences.
Boost Confidence: A comfortable mouth guard allows your child to focus on their performance without worrying about dental injuries.
Promote Long-Term Oral Health: Protecting baby and permanent teeth ensures a healthy smile for years to come.
Set a Safety Standard: Encouraging mouth guard use early helps instill lifelong habits of prioritizing safety.
To make the experience fun, let your child choose a mouth guard in their favorite color or design. Practicing wearing it for short periods can also help them adjust to the feel.
Book Your Appointment with Dr. Torres Today
Don’t wait for an injury to happen—protect your child’s smile now! At Kids World Pediatric Dental, Dr. Torres and our team are committed to providing top-quality, custom-fitted mouth guards to keep your child safe during sports and outdoor play. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how a custom mouth guard can safeguard your child’s oral health. Call us at [insert phone number] or visit our website at [insert website URL] to book your visit. Let’s work together to keep your child’s smile bright and injury-free!
