National Mouthguard Day
The backpacks are packed, new sneakers are ready, and another school year is underway! For many kids, that also means one very important thing: sports are back! (Although, these days, do they ever really end?)
From soccer and football to basketball, field hockey, wrestling and volleyball, fall sports are a great way for children to stay active, build confidence & connect with friends. But, with practices and games comes the possibility of an unexpected hit to the face, and a potentially preventable dental injury.
That makes National Mouthguard Day a perfect time to talk about protecting your child’s smile!
A Mouthguard Is More Than a Piece of Plastic
A mouthguard helps cushion a blow to the mouth, reducing the risk of injuries to the teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue. It can also help protect against broken or knocked-out teeth; injuries that can be painful, expensive and sometimes require extensive dental treatment.
While many people associate mouthguards primarily with contact sports like football and hockey, dental injuries can happen in many activities. A collision during soccer, an accidental elbow during basketball, or a fall during skateboarding can all result in an injury to the mouth.
If your child participates in a sport where there is a risk of contact or falling, a mouthguard is an important piece of their equipment.
Not All Mouthguards Are Created Equal
Walk into almost any sporting goods store and you’ll find inexpensive, “boil-and-bite” mouthguards. These can provide protection and are certainly better than playing without one. However, they may not fit as securely or comfortably as a professionally made mouthguard.
A custom mouthguard is created specifically for your child’s mouth. A proper fit can make it more comfortable to wear, which means your child is more likely to actually keep it in during practices and games. And let’s be honest: the best mouthguard in the world can’t protect a smile if it’s sitting at the bottom of the child’s sports bag!
Back-to-School Is a Great Time for a Mouthguard Check
As you’re checking uniforms, cleats, helmets and other sports equipment off your back-to-school list, add “check the mouthguard” to it.
If your child already has a mouthguard, take a look at it. Is it cracked, worn, chewed or no longer fitting properly? Has your child lost or recently gotten braces? Changes in the mouth can affect how a mouthguard fits.
It’s also important to make sure your child knows how to care for it. Mouthguards should be rinsed after use, allowed to dry & stored in a ventilated case. Avoid leaving them in hot places, like a car, where heat can distort the material.
Protect That Game-Day Smile
Kids shouldn’t have to choose between having fun and protecting their teeth. A mouthguard is a simple addition to their sports gear that can provide an important layer of protection.
So, this National Mouthguard Day, take a few minutes to check your child’s mouthguard before the next practice or game. A little preparation now could help prevent a much bigger dental emergency later.
New school year. New sports season. Same great smile, let’s keep it protected!
