Should I Get My Child a Mouthguard This School Year?

Now that summer is over, it’s time to go back to school. On top of buying their supplies and organizing carpools for them, you’ll also want to check in on their oral health. If they participate in sports, then you might want to consider getting them custom-made mouthguards. After all, the last thing you’d want is for your child to experience a dental emergency at school. Read on to learn more about these oral appliances and how your little one can make the most of them!

Why You Should Get Your Child a Custom Mouthguard

Does your child enjoy playing sports where there’s a chance they can take a sudden blow to the face? One wrong move or rogue ball and they might end up with a dental injury that can be both painful and anxiety-inducing. To practice proper prevention against this kind of situation, you can start by investing in a custom-designed mouthguard for your child.

Although you might be tempted to buy store-bought products for protection, they’re often bulky, less effective, and might negatively affect their breathing. Try speaking with their dentist instead, that way they can get properly fitted mouthguards to shield their teeth and gums.  

5 Tips on Caring for Your Child’s Mouthguard

Custom-designed mouthguards can typically last several years with proper care. To help your child make the most of them, be sure to encourage the following measures:

• Avoid rinsing the mouthguard with hot water or leaving it out in the sun. This can warp them and reduce their effectiveness.
• Brush the mouthguards thoroughly after each use with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Verify often that the mouthguard doesn’t have jagged edges that might harm or irritate your child’s gums, cheeks, and lips.
• Place the mouthguard in a storage case when it isn’t in use.
• Bring the mouthguard to each dental checkup and cleaning so that their dentist can ensure it fits properly and replace it if necessary.

Your child should be able to go to school with a healthy and comfortable smile that’s safe from the risk of dental emergencies. By getting them a custom-designed mouthguard, they’ll be able to enjoy their sport of choice while preserving their pearly whites!

About the Author

Dr. Fana earned his dental doctorate from the University of Louisville and has been delivering outstanding care for well over two decades. He’s also a proud member of several groups like the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry, and he regularly seeks continuing education to refine his skills and expertise. He provides a wide range of high-quality and comprehensive treatment, including dental checkups/cleanings and athletic mouthguards. If you’d like to schedule an appointment for your child, visit his website or call him at 912-352-3955.