Is your child involved in sports? They could benefit from a mouthguard.

On the field/court - Helmets + Facemasks + Mouthguard = well protected child.

While we all want kids to be active and to engage in physical activities, it is important to ensure they are doing so as safely as possible.

Besides obvious pain and psychological trauma, injuries can also be expensive to treat. Just like with most things in life, prevention is key. In individuals who play sports, prevention comes in the form of helmets, facemasks, mouthguards, protective pads, etc.

Mouthguards are important to prevent or reduce the severity of tooth fractures, soft tissue injuries, and even jaw dislocation or fracture. They provide a buffer for the teeth and the tissue and help in dissipating the traumatic forces when the face takes a hit.

Types of mouthguards -

• Custom-fabricated mouthguards - Made in a dentist’s office using stone models of patient’s teeth - Best fit, least interference with speech, best protection for contact sports but can be expensive.

• Mouth formed or Boil and bite - Cheaper alternative to custom-fitting mouthguards. May need to be replaced more frequently and not as protective as the custom-fitting ones.

• Stock mouthguard - Cheapest, least protective, better than no mouthguard.

Tips for parents -

• Encourage your children to wear mouthguards even if it is not mandated by the sports authorities.

• Know what to do in case of dental injuries.

• Consider sports with less contact for your children, especially if their compliance with wearing a mouthguard is poor.

In the words of the great competitive swimmer Mark Spitz, “If you fail to prepare, you’re prepared to fail.”