If you have a loved one at home that likes sports or physical activity, it’s important that you protect them. Just as you would get them a helmet for their bike, their smile needs extra defense during physical activity. Your child should always be wearing a sportsguard to reduce the possibility of dental injury, but not all of them are made the same. Keep reading to learn the difference between store-bought sportsguards and customized oral appliances from your dentist.
Why is it Important to Wear Sportsguards During Activity?
When participating in physical activity, your children can seriously injure, break, chip, or even lose their teeth. In addition, it’s possible that other issues like concussions occur along with sudden trauma to the face or jaw. Studies have even shown that 40% of dental injuries in high school occur during baseball and basketball (two sports typically seen as “non-contact”).
What are Over the Counter Sportsguards?
Found at your local drugstore or sporting goods retailer, over the counter sportsguards are mouthguards for you or your family members that are designed to protect your teeth. There are typically two different types: those that are ready to use immediately, and those that you boil and then fit to your mouth. While these are much better than nothing at all, these materials aren’t medical grade, the customization process isn’t exact, and they’re simply not durable.
What are Custom-Fitted Sportsguards?
Custom-fitted sportsguards are mouthguards provided by your dentist. They are designed based on an exact mold of the patient’s mouth, which leads to a perfect fit for unmatched protection. While your dentist also makes nightguards to protect your teeth from grinding, these personalized sportsguards not only prevent dental injury but they reduce the amount of force and pressure put on your jaw.
Which One Should My Child Use?
When it comes to the safety of your children, it’s important to get the right protection. Your dentist’s custom-made mouthguards minimize their chance of dental injury, jaw fracture, and concussion much better than any store-bought product. While custom fitted sportsguards come with a higher price tag, they could potentially save you money by preventing more extensive and expensive dental visits in the future. Additionally, they last years longer than over the counter sportsguards, making them well worth the investment.
Are you ready to protect your son or daughter’s teeth? Contact your dentist to request an appointment for you or your little one’s smile!
About the Practice
At More Smile Dental Spa, we have a team of highly trained and educated dentists who take pride in the various services that they have to offer. They are experienced in carefully crafting sportsguards to protect smiles of all sizes. For any questions, they can be contacted through their website or by phone at (985) 809-7645.