Most people love to interact with sports, especially with their children. It is a great way for children and teens to move their bodies and create a community. In fact, kids who play sports feel more confident and have a sense of “belonging.” Parents and guardians want to support their kids as they move from one sport to another. Supporting your child also means keeping them safe. Depending on the sport, your child may need to wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth.
At Cove Family Dentistry in Owens Cross Roads, AL, Dr. Duling provides custom sports mouthguards that offer superior protection for young athletes throughout the Huntsville area.
What Sports Require Mouthguards?
Some sports require mouthguards, such as football or lacrosse. However, there are many other sports where players should use mouthguards as well. Soccer, basketball, and baseball are sports that involve moderate contact with other players. Additionally, there are sports where balls that move with high velocity. Contact and equipment can easily create a dental injury. Teeth don’t mix with elbows and bad passes.
Dentists and sports officials recommend the use of mouthguards. This is because you can avoid a large majority of sports-related dental injuries with the help of a mouthguard.
Types of Mouthguards
There are a few types of mouthguards that you can consider. However, some provide more protection than others.
Stock
A stock mouthguard is a one-size-fits-all option. It is the most ready-to-use mouthguard since it is pre-formed. However, since everyone’s teeth are unique, it is difficult for stock mouthguards to fit properly.
They’re often too loose or too tight, which means they don’t provide much protection. They can also be uncomfortable, irritate the gums, and make it hard to breathe or talk. Many young athletes take them out during games because they’re so uncomfortable, which defeats the purpose entirely.
Boil-and-Bite
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are made from a softer plastic that you can mold to your teeth under high temperatures. First, you place the mouthguard in boiling water. Then, you put the mouthguard in your mouth to mold it to your teeth.
Custom Mouthguard
You can visit Cove Family Dentistry to get a custom mouthguard made specifically for your child. Unlike other mouthguards, Dr. Duling makes every aspect of this mouthguard fit your child’s unique needs.
She takes impressions of your child’s teeth to create a mouthguard that fits perfectly. The custom fit means better protection, more comfort, and a mouthguard your child will actually want to wear. While custom mouthguards cost more upfront, they provide the highest quality protection you can get for your child’s teeth.
Why A Custom Mouthguard?
The main goal of any mouthguard is to prevent or minimize injury to the teeth and mouth. A custom mouthguard fits your child’s mouth the best, providing the highest level of protection and comfort.
- Superior Protection: Custom mouthguards protect the teeth, gums, and soft tissues of the mouth from traumatic injury. Your child is much less likely to lose a tooth if they wear a properly fitted mouthguard when hit by a stray elbow or ball. If your child falls on the court or field, a custom mouthguard helps protect their mouth. When wearing a mouthguard, they greatly decrease the chances of their teeth biting into or tearing the soft tissues in their mouth.
- Reduces Head Injury Severity: Wearing a custom mouthguard can even reduce the severity of some head injuries. The mouthguard cushions the teeth from clacking together during impact, which can worsen the damage from a concussion or other head injury.
- Comfortable Fit: Because Dr. Duling creates the mouthguard specifically for your child’s mouth, it fits comfortably. Your child can breathe easily, drink water, and even talk to teammates while wearing it. This comfort means they’re much more likely to actually wear the mouthguard during practice and games.
- Grows With Your Child: As your child’s mouth changes and new teeth come in, Dr. Duling can create updated mouthguards to ensure continued protection. She can also adjust the fit if needed.
Protect Your Athlete’s Smile
Don’t let a preventable injury damage your child’s smile. Contact Cove Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment for a custom sports mouthguard. Dr. Elizabeth Duling will ensure your young athlete gets the protection they need to play confidently and safely.
Call our office at 256-534-1475 or request an appointment online. Give your child the gift of a protected smile so they can focus on what they love.