Children who participate in sports can benefit greatly from physical activity, but unfortunately, there are inherent health risks. For example, it’s important to ensure they protect their teeth from damage while they’re engaged in their sport of choice. A dentist can customize a mouth guard for young athletes in order to prevent serious injuries. Here’s how this device can help in ways a store-bought guard can’t.

Advantages of Custom Mouth Guards for Young Athletes

1. Factor in Unique Dental Needs

No two mouths are the same, and that’s crucial to remember where students are concerned. Because athletes are at greater risk of suffering injury, it’s important to create a device that takes their unique oral care needs into consideration.

For some, that might include a history of dental surgeries or braces. For others, it might be significant tooth sensitivity or thinning of the enamel. Dentists will devise mouth guards that are made specifically with these particular concerns in mind.

2. Consider the Impact of the Sport

Not all sports are considered high-impact, but they may still pose a risk of injuring a student-athlete’s mouth. For example, while tennis is not a contact sport, the ball might still cause injury if it makes impact with the person’s teeth.

A dentist will create a mouth guard with a thinner material than one for a patient who plays a more threatening contact sport, such as field hockey or football.

3. Allow for More Regular Participation

A history of dental care problems can prevent some students from moving forward with their athletic goals if they’re concerned about the potential for injury or another surgery. Mouth guards play a significant role in protecting the mouth from many common issues, including bruises, cuts, fractures, dislocation, and jaw damage.

Kids and parents alike will enjoy greater peace of mind when the patient wears a customized mouth guard that keeps them safe.
 

Are you thinking about enrolling your child in a sport? Trust in the professionals at Elm Dental Care in St. Charles, MO, to supply a customized mouth guard to protect your young one’s gums, jaw, and teeth from injury. The office offers a variety of services, including cosmetic dentistry and braces. Visit them online for information on their services or call (636) 916-4848 to schedule an appointment with the dentist.