Parents are already concerned enough when it comes to their kids playing contact sports. As enriching and fun as they can be, you never want to see your child get hurt.
Parents are already concerned enough when it comes to their kids playing contact sports. As enriching and fun as they can be, you never want to see your child get hurt. However, there are some basic precautions you can take to prevent the worst. One of these is using a custom mouthguard, which can help to protect your child’s teeth and gums if they were to get hit in the face. If you’re thinking about getting a mouthguard for your sports-loving kid, here are some facts you ought to know beforehand.
Protecting Teeth
It’s no surprise that some contact sports require mouthguards. This is because sports mouthguards can be a great way to protect your teeth! They form a protective layer over the upper teeth, helping prevent injury and keeping your teeth where they should be. This is useful for the football player who knows they’re going to get tackled just as much as it is a basketball player who gets smacked in the face with the basketball. Keep your child’s teeth safe!
Top Teeth Only
The good news? Unless you have braces, you’re only going to need your mouthguard for the top row of teeth. This helps kids breathe easier and stay comfortable even while their head is in the game. There are some exceptions as anyone involved in fighting sports will tell you, but generally, a mouthguard is less involved than you may think.
Replace Your Mouthguard
Like anything we use daily, your mouthguard is going to start to show signs of wear and tear. Generally, we recommend you replace them every 6 months depending on use. If you use yours more heavily, it may be sooner than that. You won’t get as good protection if you’re using a worn-out mouthguard, so be sure to replace yours when the time comes.
Keep it Clean
Another maintenance tip: mouthguards need to be cleaned. Bacteria can build up and develop in moist environments, causing sickness or just giving you smelly breath. After every use, be sure you clean your mouthguard out by gently brushing it with a wet toothbrush and then properly storing it in the container it came with.
Consider Going Custom
While there are stock mouthguards that are meant to be one-size-fits-all, these often do a less than adequate job of protecting the mouth. Instead, consider using a custom mouthguard. Not only will it fit better, but it will also be made of higher quality material. You can wear a generic one while waiting for your custom mouthguard, but if you wear yours often, consider going custom.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.