The Risks Of Children Playing Sports Without Mouth Guards

A mouthguard is a protective device for the mouth that covers the teeth and gums to prevent and reduce injury to the teeth, arches, lips, and gums. Sports can be incredibly fun for children, but they also put them at risk for injury. Did you know that your child is 60 times more likely to sustain damage to their teeth when they aren’t wearing a mouth guard? We at Big Smiles Pediatric Dentistry don’t want your child to lose their previous smile. Here is some risk highlighted by pediatric dentist 06460 if children don’t wear a mouth guard.

• Broken Teeth: Playing sports without a mouth guard puts teeth at risk of taking a hard blow, which can cause them to crack or break all together. A mouth guard helps cushion the teeth from potential blows and decreases their risk of cracking.
• Jaw Damage: Jaw injuries are one of the most common injuries in sports. Mouth guards help cushion and reduce the amount of shock the upper jaw and lower jaw can take during a hit to the jaw. Thus, to protect your child, find mouth guards in milford ct or visit us at Big Smiles Pediatric Dentistry.
• Concussion: Wearing a mouth guard can actually greatly reduce the risk of sustaining a concussion while playing sports. Immediately contact one of our pediatric dentists in milford ct at Big Smiles Pediatric Dentistry.
• Lacerated Lips and Cheeks: Teeth are developed to chew and process food for our systems. Teeth can do real damage to cheeks and lips if left uncovered. Mouthguards help protect cheeks and jaws from accidental bites that can puncture the skin.

How do Mouth Guards Work?

Mouth guards – sometimes called mouth protectors – work by helping cushion a blow to the face, and minimizing the risk of breaking teeth, or lacerating a lip, tongue or cheek. Mouth guards work to prevent tooth loss and other facial injuries.

Which Sports Require Mouth Guards?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends wearing mouth guards for these popular sports: basketball, boxing, field hockey, football, ice hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, roller hockey, rugby, skateboarding, skiing, soccer, volleyball, water polo, and wrestling, among others. If you’re unsure about whether or not your child is required to wear a mouth guard, consult a milford pediatric dentist near me.