If your little football player or field hockey goalie forgets to don shoulder pads or a helmet before running out on the field, they won't get very far before the coach calls them back to the sidelines. When young athletes forget to slip in a mouth guard, though, it may not be obvious to onlookers that they lack adequate safety gear. However, wearing a custom mouth guard made by a kids’ dentist is just as important as donning other equipment when playing sports. Here are just a few reasons why this device is essential.

To Protect the Teeth

Mouth guards are designed to protect the teeth from forceful impacts. When children wear these devices, they are less likely to lose teeth or sustain oral trauma following a facial injury. A custom guard made by a kids’ dentist can also protect any orthodontic appliances from serious damage. 

To Protect the Brain 

Many people are surprised to learn that the right mouth guard can absorb shock from a blow to the head. This in turn reduces the risk of mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), like concussions. Parents should be aware that not all devices provide this kind of protection, though. Researchers have determined that high school football players wearing generic, over-the-counter devices are more than twice as likely to sustain a TBI in forceful impacts than those wearing custom mouth guards. 

If your child needs a custom mouth guard for soccer, lacrosse, or any other contact sport, turn to a friendly kids’ dentist at Pedodontic Associates. For more than 25 years, they have provided unparalleled dental care for toddlers, children, and adolescents on Oahu and Maui. Services include perinatal and infant oral health care, filings, x-rays, cleanings, and exams. Visit their website to learn more about protecting your children’s teeth between visits. To schedule an appointment with a compassionate kids’ dentist on their team, call (808) 735-1733 for the Honolulu office, (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, or (808) 877-0066 for Kahului.