It is already that time of the year when our children are getting ready to head back to school. For many of us, this means our kids are also heading back to youth sports. In preparing for fall sports you probably have paid their fees, got their uniforms, and know their practice schedule, but have you got them the appropriate mouthguard? Your child’s teeth are important and just as you would insist they wear a helmet you should insist they wear a mouthguard.
Why Mouthguards in Youth Sports are Important
Depending on the sport/s your child plays they may be at an increased risk of injuring their mouth during practice or game time. Injuries to teeth can be classified into three categories:
Fracture – Cracked tooth
Avulsion – A tooth that has been knocked out/lost
Luxation – Dislodgement of the tooth
In many sports, your child is at risk of being accidentally hit in the face by an object or another player. This can lead to an injury to their teeth or oral soft tissues. Mouthguards can, therefore, reduce the risk of serious injury and may prevent injury completely in certain instances. You should consider their risk of injury and get them fitted with a mouthguard. Remember, that baby teeth matter. You still need to get your child fitted with a mouthguard even if they still have their primary teeth. You can learn more about the importance of baby teeth by reading our article, “Baby Teeth Explained“.
When to Wear a Mouthguard – Recommended Sports
- Basketball
- Football
- Soccer
- Hockey
- Wrestling
- Lacrosse
This is not a comprehensive list of sports, but a few common activities that may increase your child’s risk of a mouth injury. Feel free to consult your dentist to determine if your child should wear a mouthguard during their sport of choice.
Additional Mouthguard Questions
If you are interested in learning more about getting your child a fitted mouthguard or have additional questions, schedule an appointment today to learn more.
