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Sports are a healthy way for kids to stay active, build confidence, and learn about teamwork, but with those benefits comes the risk of injury. If your children play sports, you should take them to the dentist to be fitted for protective mouthguards. Here are a few reasons why it’s so important to wear a mouthguard when playing sports.

Why Athletes Should Wear Mouthguards

1. Eliminate Potential Tooth Damage

Even if your child isn’t playing a contact sport such as football, there’s always a chance they could get knocked down or hit in the teeth. A mouthguard protects them from this impact, helping to keep the teeth from getting chipped, knocked out, or broken. Having your family dentist fit your child for a mouthguard can prevent the need for restorative treatments such as dental implants, crowns, and bridges.

2. Avoid Soft Tissue Injury

Juneau dentistWhether it’s from contact with another player, a ball, or the ground, the impact of playing sports can cause damage to the soft tissue of the mouth as well as the teeth. While caught up in the action of a game or practice session, your young athlete could accidentally bite his or her tongue, lips, or cheeks. This injury can result in the need for stitches or even plastic surgery. A mouthguard provides a protective barrier between the teeth and soft tissue.

3. Prevent Jaw Fractures

In the event that a player takes a blow to the face, the impact can cause the upper and lower teeth to slam into each other. When this happens, the jawbone often ends up absorbing much of the shock, which can cause a fracture. A mouthguard that has been custom-fitted by a dentist cushions the blow, protecting the athlete from a painful injury that could require surgery to mend.

 

Nizich Family Dental in Juneau, AK, is family-owned and operated and has been serving patients of all ages since 2007. Whether it’s time for a routine teeth cleaning, you have a toothache, or you need a root canal, their knowledgeable team is dedicated to providing you with the excellent family dentistry services you deserve. Call (907) 789-7001 today to schedule a dentist appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their services.

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