What protection does a custom mouthguard provide?

When playing sports and engaging in physical activity, it is important for children to wear protective gear, such as mouthguards, to prevent traumatic dental injuries. As part of our pediatric dentistry services, our children’s emergency dentist offers custom mouthguards, which help protect teeth and soft oral tissue in the event of an accidental fall or facial trauma from contact sports.
 

Is a custom mouthguard better than a store bought one?

Store bought mouthguards are widely available at most athletic stores and even some supermarkets but they do not offer the protection that a custom mouthguard can provide. Even though some mouthguards purchased in a store can be boiled and slightly customized, they are often ill-fitting and do not adequately protect teeth and gums.

Custom mouthguards prescribed by our children’s emergency dentist are fabricated to fit perfectly in a patient’s mouth. A custom mouthguard will conform to each patient’s mouth because it is designed based on unique specifications determined by our team. This means that this oral appliance will properly cover the teeth, holding them in place in the event of trauma and protect against soft tissue lacerations.
 

When should my child wear a mouthguard?

Your child should wear a mouthguard during any type of contact sport including football, wrestling, and basketball. Non-contact sports or individual physical activities such as horseback riding or skateboarding can lead to dental injuries as well. A mouthguard is useful for any activity where the risk of injury to the face or mouth is possible.
 

How can I prepare for dental emergencies?

In addition to equipping children with protective gear, there are steps you can take to prepare for dental emergencies. First, we recommend keeping our pediatric dentistry practice number stored in your phone so that you can contact us quickly. Another precautionary tip you can take is to keep Save-A-Tooth solution (available at pharmacies and supermarkets) in your purse or vehicle. This solution is used to keep tooth structure alive that has been broken or knocked out of the mouth. In some instances, our dentist can reattach pieces of a broken tooth.

For more information or to reserve an appointment, call our practice today.