Sports Mouth Guard for Kids
Wichita, KS
Mouth Guard for Kids provided by Dr. Healy
, Dr. Martin
, and Dr. White in Wichita, KS at Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry
 Playing a sport is a wonderful activity for your child to be involved in, whether it is soccer, football, basketball, hockey or one of many other activities. It gets your child outside, involved and active. They learn how to work as part of a team, and they can make some great friends in the process.
However, several sports do come with the risk of injury. When your child plays, you make sure they have the right protective gear, such as guards or a helmet. Did you know that your child also needs protection for their mouth? Even if a helmet is worn, dental injuries can still occur. At Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, we can help your child to protect their mouth while playing sports with a custom-fit sports mouth guard.
What Is a Sports Mouth Guard?
A sports mouth guard, commonly called a mouth guard, is an oral device that is worn over the top teeth. It is designed to protect not only the teeth but the soft tissues and the jaw as well while your child plays. It protects against dental injuries that might occur as a result of:
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Falling on the field.
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Colliding with another player.
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Being hit by a ball or other piece of equipment. |
Can I Get One From a Sporting Goods Store?
There are several types of sports mouth guards available. You may have seen numerous guards available for purchase right at the sporting goods store. However, sports mouth guards you buy from the store are very different from sports mouth guards that are professionally made.
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Stock sports mouth guards. These guards are the least expensive option and are readily available at most sporting goods stores. They are pre-molded, which can often cause numerous issues. There is no guarantee that pre-molded guards will fit properly. In some cases, they can make it hard for your child to breathe, or can increase the risk for oral injuries.
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Boil and bite guards. These guards also do not cost very much and are available at most stores. Unlike stock sports mouth guards, these are not pre-molded. Instead, the guard is boiled for several seconds and then cooled slightly before your child bites into it. The soft material forms a semi-custom fit around their teeth. While more effective than a stock sports mouth guard, they can still cause some issues if not done properly.
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Custom fit sports mouth guards. At Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, we can provide your child with a custom fit sports mouth guard. While this option is the most expensive of the three, it also provides the best protection. We take impressions of the mouth and use these impressions to create a sports mouth guard that will fit your child perfectly. |
Taking Care of the Sports Mouth Guard
For the sports mouth guard to provide your child with optimal protection, it is important that they take proper care of it. The sports mouth guard should be rinsed with water before and after each use. It can also be brushed, or washed with soap and water. When not in use, the guard should be stored in a hard, protective case that has ventilation holes. This allows airflow, preventing the risk of bacterial buildup. Make sure that your child does not leave their sports mouth guard exposed to high heat or direct sunlight, as overexposure can cause damage to the material. Inspect the guard periodically for damage. At the first sign, it is time to replace it.
Benefits of a Custom Fit Sports Mouth Guard
Custom fit sports mouth guards provide several benefits.
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The teeth are protected from damage such as chips, cracks, displacement or avulsion.
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The soft tissues of the mouth are protected from lacerations.
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The guard absorbs impact in the event of contact.
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It can protect the jaw from fractures or dislocation.
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It reduces the risk of concussion.
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A sports mouth guard can save you money by preventing serious, and expensive, dental emergencies. |
Playing sports offers your child numerous benefits, physically, mentally and emotionally. Taking proper measures to ensure their safety while they play is essential. Part of their gear should include a custom fit sports mouth guard. Call Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry today for more information or to schedule an appointment for your child today at (316) 202-9629. |
