Youth sports are getting more popular in America, with about 20-25 million kids taking part. But with more participation comes more chances of getting hurt. Surprisingly, over 35% of injuries among kids happen during sports activities. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), about 10-20% of these injuries affect the face and jaw area. That’s where sports mouthguards, also called sportsguards, come in handy. Keep reading to find out why they’re important for preventing injuries in sports.
Sports That Should Require a Sportsguard
Here’s a list of sports recommended by the ADA where wearing a custom sportsguard is a good idea. They suggest wearing the sportsguard not only during games but also during practice sessions. Sports where you should definitely wear mouthguards include:
- Boxing
- Handball
- Rugby
- Acrobatics
- Basketball
- Shot Putting
- Gymnastics
- Racquetball
- Roller Hockey
- Ice Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Martial Arts
- Squash
- Field Hockey
- Football
- Surfing
- Skateboarding
- Skiing
- Skydiving
- Soccer
- Weightlifting
- Water Polo
- Wrestling
- Volleyball
What Types of Dental Injuries Can Occur Without a Sportsguard?
According to the National Youth Sports Foundation for Safety, athletes are 60 times more likely to injure their teeth without a protective mouthguard. These injuries often result in lasting damage to the mouth, requiring medical treatment. Dental injuries usually can be put into three categories:
- Luxation: The tooth is still in place but has moved from its usual position in the socket.
- Fracture: These injuries are typically classified as root fractures, broken teeth, or chipped teeth.
- Avulsion: In this type of injury, the entire tooth, including its root, is forcefully pulled out from its socket.
How Mouthguards Can Prevent Dental Injuries
Sportsguards are essential for safeguarding against dental injuries and are available in three main types: ready-made or stock mouthguards, mouth-formed “boil-and-bite” mouthguards, and custom-made mouthguards crafted by a dentist. According to the ADA, the best sportsguards should be comfortable, durable, easy to clean, and should not hinder speech or breathing.
Of these options, custom-made mouthguards, crafted by a dentist, offer the highest level of protection. These personalized guards provide an optimal fit, are made from superior materials, and offer increased comfort, making them more likely to be worn consistently by your athlete, even when you’re not present.
Keep in mind that once teeth are damaged, they can’t repair themselves. So, before your child gets back into the swing of things on the field, mat, or court, make sure their precious smile stays protected while they play by making sure they wear a sportsguard!
About the Practice
At Sprout Dentistry for Kids of Allen, our goal is to provide outstanding oral health care for children, nurturing the growth of healthy smiles from an early age. We place a strong emphasis on the well-being of our young patients by utilizing cutting-edge dental technology and methods to care for their delicate teeth. With a commitment to excellence and individualized care, we tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of each child. For further information about mouthguards and our comprehensive range of dental services, please feel free to contact Sprout Dentistry for Kids of Allen at (469) 663-0098 or visit our website.