When it comes to safety in sports, the right kind of child mouth guard may prove to be the best investment of all. The American Dental Association recognizes the preventative value of protectors, noting that they can significantly reduce the risk of sport-related injuries. Injuries to the face, jaw, or teeth can not only be painful and expensive; they can also be permanent. There is a comfortable way to protect your son or daughter, and your dentist can help. Below are a few options for protection.
Over-the-counter
An over-the-counter child mouth guard is the cheapest way to go. They offer a degree of protection, but they are often ill-fitting and uncomfortable, leading to a child being reluctant to wear it. If children have braces or other orthodontic equipment, it can be even worse. Since these are essentially 'one-size-fits-all' devices, it is very difficult to find one that will provide a full measure of protection. This kind of guard should only be used as a last resort.
Boil-and-bite
The next step up from the over-the-counter child mouth guard is the boil-and-bite style. As the name implies, you soak the device in hot water until it becomes soft, then your son or daughter bites down on it to create a mold. These provide a slightly better fit since they mold to the general shape of the teeth, but they have their own set of drawbacks. First, they are very hard and can cause a lot of discomfort for the wearer. Second, they have a tendency to be loose and may not stay in place during play. Although these are very common, there is still a better option.
Custom Options
A custom-made child mouth guard is by far the best and safest option. A pediatric dentist can provide the perfect fit based not only on the shape of your child's mouth but also for the particular sport they will be playing. Your dentist will start by asking a few questions about the nature of their activities and whether or not they have sustained dental injuries in the past. Next, they will make an exact mold to ensure a tight, comfortable fit. This type of child mouth guard will offer the maximum amount of protection while maintaining a high level of comfort. With a custom mouthpiece, you can relax knowing that your son or daughter will not mind wearing it. All it takes is a short visit to your dentist!
While any protection is better than nothing, a custom-made guard will protect young teeth as best as possible.
To learn more about their options for a child mouth guard, readers should visit http://www.plainfieldpediatricdentalcare.com/services/mouthguards/.
By Andrea Avery
Article Source: Keep Kids Safe With a Custom Fit Child Mouth Guard
Over-the-counter
An over-the-counter child mouth guard is the cheapest way to go. They offer a degree of protection, but they are often ill-fitting and uncomfortable, leading to a child being reluctant to wear it. If children have braces or other orthodontic equipment, it can be even worse. Since these are essentially 'one-size-fits-all' devices, it is very difficult to find one that will provide a full measure of protection. This kind of guard should only be used as a last resort.
Boil-and-bite
The next step up from the over-the-counter child mouth guard is the boil-and-bite style. As the name implies, you soak the device in hot water until it becomes soft, then your son or daughter bites down on it to create a mold. These provide a slightly better fit since they mold to the general shape of the teeth, but they have their own set of drawbacks. First, they are very hard and can cause a lot of discomfort for the wearer. Second, they have a tendency to be loose and may not stay in place during play. Although these are very common, there is still a better option.
Custom Options
A custom-made child mouth guard is by far the best and safest option. A pediatric dentist can provide the perfect fit based not only on the shape of your child's mouth but also for the particular sport they will be playing. Your dentist will start by asking a few questions about the nature of their activities and whether or not they have sustained dental injuries in the past. Next, they will make an exact mold to ensure a tight, comfortable fit. This type of child mouth guard will offer the maximum amount of protection while maintaining a high level of comfort. With a custom mouthpiece, you can relax knowing that your son or daughter will not mind wearing it. All it takes is a short visit to your dentist!
While any protection is better than nothing, a custom-made guard will protect young teeth as best as possible.
To learn more about their options for a child mouth guard, readers should visit http://www.plainfieldpediatricdentalcare.com/services/mouthguards/.
By Andrea Avery
Article Source: Keep Kids Safe With a Custom Fit Child Mouth Guard
