Mouthguards might be most commonly associated with contact sports like football and boxing, but kids who engage in any sport can benefit from this equipment. This simple piece offers tooth and mouth protection for active kids and peace of mind to their parents. Learn more about athletic mouthguards for kids and talk to your dentist about a custom-fit piece.

The Purpose of Athletic Mouthguards

Simply put, an athletic mouthguard protects your child’s teeth when they’re playing sports. The American Dental Association reports that mouthguards can minimize the risk of dental injuries caused by sports. These plastic pieces are designed to slip over the teeth, cover the gums, and fill spaces between the teeth and cheeks. 

The mouthguard serves as a shock absorber if your child encounters a direct hit while playing. It can prevent broken teeth and redistribute the force from a hit to the head, which can potentially reduce the risk of a concussion as well. Finally, they protect the soft tissues of the mouth—lips, tongue, cheek lining, and gums—from injury.

Which Kids Need to Use Them?

Mouth and tooth injuries are not reserved only for contact sport athletes. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, mouthguards should be worn by kids when they play any sport.

The AAP explains that kids who don’t wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer a mouth-related injury than those who do. The organization further explains that even non-contact sports like gymnastics can result in a mouth injury, even without contact with another athlete.

How to Find the Right Mouthguard

To maximize the effectiveness of your mouthguard, opt for one that’s custom-fitted to your child’s mouth. Your dentist will make an impression of your child’s mouth and then design the guard so that it fits perfectly and comfortably. While you wait for it to be made, you can use over-the-counter styles available for purchase online and at drugstores.

To get a custom mouthguard for your child, contact Dr. Robert N. Petrtyl, DDS, a dentist serving the Cincinnati, OH, area. With 30 years of experience. Dr. Petrtyl and his team deliver thoughtful, patient-centered care. General dentistry services include cleanings, exams, composite fillings, and crowns. Other services include cosmetic dentistry, athletic mouthguards, and restorative work. We are temporarily only open for emergencies due to the virus. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 554-4657. Visit the website to learn more about available services.