As school sports start up again in Eagle River, AK, it’s time for you to make sure your children are properly protected while they play. Whether your child plays football, basketball, or volleyball, there’s the possibility of injury to the mouth. A custom mouthguard from your pediatric dentist at Discovery Dental can provide much-needed protection. This simple step can prevent serious injury and keep your adolescent smiling all season long.

Dental Sports Injuries

In competitive sports, maxillofacial injuries—or injuries to the mouth—are some of the most common. Reports have also proven that approximately 40% of adolescent injuries occur while playing sports or while in a sport environment. In high-impact sports, such as football or basketball, injuries are a particular concern. This is because forceful contact with hard objects, other players, or in-game accidents can happen even when coaches and players are careful. Participating in these sports without a mouthguard makes a person 60 times more likely to experience a maxillofacial injury.

Getting a Mouthguard

A mouthguard provides a few key benefits. First, it keeps the teeth in place to protect them from injury. By stabilizing the mouth and the surrounding area, it can prevent additional injuries to the face and mouth. This stabilization can even protect against concussions. Only a high-quality, custom mouthguard will work this well, so do not bother buying a general one-size-fits-all guard. Your pediatric dentist can use a mold from your teen’s mouth to make one just for them.

The team at Discovery Dental provides high-quality dental care for kids. They are committed to maintaining your adolescent’s oral health, even through the roughest sports. The practice also provides additional services, such as teeth cleaning and taking care of kids’ cavities. Contact them at (907) 622-5437 to schedule your appointment with a pediatric dentist, so your mouthguard will be ready for the upcoming season.