Looking at your kids growing fast is indeed a joyful experience. However, it also comes with a range of fears and responsibilities, especially the instinctive drive to protect their precious smile.
Furthermore, children are more prone to getting dental injuries due to their involvement in hyper-interactive activities without paying any heed to safety. This is why many experts recommend mouth guards for children. However, if you are still not sure of them or have any potential queries, then read the blog to get all your answers! This blog has thoroughly addressed your concerns, so you can make an informed decision.
Do my kids need a mouth guard?
Yes, mouth guards are highly recommended by pediatric orthodontists around the globe for their numerous benefits. But first, let's understand what mouth guards are and how they function to better understand their benefits.
What are mouth guards?
Mouth guards, typically made of hard plastic, are cushioned dental equipment that acts as a concrete barrier, protecting the teeth and gums from externally applied forces. They are widely known for their massive use in athletics. However, they offer many other non-athletic benefits that make them a highly sought-after dental product.
Reasons to use mouth guards
Mouth guards, as mentioned above, have numerous purposes. Here we have listed down its primary and secondary purposes:
Minimizing sports injuries
According to research, athletes not wearing mouth guards during sports are 60 times more prone to getting injuries. Thus, highlighting the paramount importance of wearing mouth guards.
Mouth guards snugly fit the teeth, reducing the chances of sports injuries. They act as a cushion to safeguard the kid from jaw fractures, concussions, tooth loss, and other soft tissue injuries. They are a must when involved in the following activities:
- Wrestling
- Surfing
- Martial arts
- Cycling
- Volleyball
- Boxing
- Hockey
- Basketball
- Gymnastics
- Baseball and softball
Shield against external pressure
Mouth guards protect the teeth, jaws, gums, and tongue by absorbing the shock, dissipating it, or regulating the external pressure evenly to the mouth. Resultantly, the emerging impact-related conditions are mitigated to considerable degrees.
Improved sports performance
Mouth guards are worn by athletes for a reason! Apart from protection, they assist in regulating breathing, giving the required additional support for enduring a long fight against competitors. Following the same functionality, children should also wear mouth guards, especially if they are involved in any of the sporting activities mentioned above.
Preserving orthodontic treatment
Mouth guards are a blessing in disguise for children who are undergoing any sort of orthodontic treatment, i.e., braces, fillings, crowns, and retainers. They act as a protective layer for both the teeth and braces, ensuring the treatment goes without any reluctance. Wearing them is recommended during the night and strenuous physical activities.
Encourages kids to keep oral health
Intromouth guard use in your child's routine passively teaches them the importance of maintaining good oral health and working hard to achieve it.
Choosing the right mouth guards for kids
As per the recommendations of the pediatric dentists, we have enlisted some important factors you must consider before investing in the right mouth guards for your kid:
- Superior quality building material
- Tailored fit
- Super comfortable
- Optimal thickness (4 mm)
- Odourless
- Durable against wear and tear
- Easy maintenance
- Shouldn't be a barrier to communication
- Regulate breathing
Are mouth guards safe?
In summary, we can confidently say that, yes, mouth guards are safe and don't have any potential harm. It is a highly suggested preventive measure to protect your children's pure smile and keep it free of any deformations.
Worried about your kid's dental health?
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FAQs
How to persuade my kid to wear a mouth guard?
Here are a few tips that will encourage your kid to wear mouth guards. First, add it to their night routine and narrate its importance. Moreover, to make it fun, pick a fun-coloured mouth guard! You can also reward your kid for wearing mouth guards.
How to keep the kid's mouth guards in shape?
The key to that is to wash them thoroughly with tap water after every use. To avoid bacterial buildup, you can store them in a ventilated case and regularly brush them with toothpaste. Additionally, do not expose them to intense heat! Lastly, replace them periodically.
At what age are kids eligible to wear mouth guards?
Generally, they are worn once the baby's teeth have fallen out, typically at the age of 6 or 7. However, if you are extra cautious for your baby, or your baby is enthusiastic about sports at an early age, then consult experts to get specialized mouth guards for your kid.
