Why Your Kids Should Always Wear Mouthguards When Playing Sports in Cedar Park

Should your kids wear a mouthguard when playing sports in Cedar Park? Absolutely!  There’s no reason they should engage in any sort of physical activity without a mouthguard.  It’s a simple and easy precaution that can do a lot to prevent damage to their teeth in the event of an accident.

Here’s what you need to know!

When Should A Child Wear A Mouthguard?

People tend to assume that a mouthguard is only for sports where there is physical contact – such as football – or where there’s a high likelihood of small objects flying towards kids’ heads, as in baseball or hockey.  Your Cedar Park dentist is likely to recommend kids wear a mouthguard in any sort of sporting activity!

 

After all, even with a non-contact sport such as gymnastics, accidents can happen.  Plus, if your child becomes used to wearing a mouthguard when they play, it will likely become a lifelong habit that will protect their teeth far into the future.

 

Can A Child with Braces Wear A Mouthguard?

Absolutely, yes!  If your child has braces, it’s even more important that they wear a mouthguard.  Orthodontic appliances are expensive, after all, and can be easily damaged through direct impact.  Worse, damaged braces or similar orthodontic gear can cause significant harm to their mouth.

Always have your child with braces wear a mouthguard, even in non-contact sports.

 

What Types of Mouthguards Are Best?

Generally speaking, there are three types of mouthguards – but only two that a dentist in Cedar Park is likely to recommend.  The type we don’t recommend is the most basic type, which is just a single inflexible piece of rubber.  These are uncomfortable and hard to wear, while also not providing much protection.

The best all-around choice is the “boil and bite” mouthguard.  These are made out of a thermoplastic material which becomes malleable when heated.  By boiling it, and having the child bite down, it makes an impression of their teeth.  This allows it to sit much more comfortably in its mouth while adding protection.

However. in some cases where a child’s teeth have special requirements, your dentist might recommend a custom-fit mouthguard.  These are more expensive but are made by a dentist according to precision scanning, they will give the best fit and the most protection.

 

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