Preventing Dental Injuries on the Field and on the Court

Playing sports indoors or out can be enjoyed by people of all ages, but accidents can happen. Whether you play a contact sport or engage in an activity where you might incur damage to your face or mouth, you need to be proactive to protect your dentition. Your pediatric dentist sees many injuries to children that might have been prevented with a consultation prior to their activity.

One of the foremost protective devices available is a mouth guard. But it is important to find a protective guard that fits correctly, provides adequate protection, and is comfortable. After all, if it doesn’t feel right, your child will find ways not to wear it. Your pediatric dentist is experienced in working with children to maximize the protection for their teeth and mouth.

If you think you are saving money by purchasing a one size fits all mouth guard at a sporting goods store or local pharmacy, you may be wasting time and money. Over the counter mouth guards offer limited protection primarily because they do not provide a customized fit.

With the availability of organized sports for both boys and girls of all ages, many coaches and organizations are aware of the need for protection. While helmets, pads, or masks may be mandatory for some sports, there are dangers in many activities where there are no mandated protections. Your pediatric dentist will educate parents, but it is up to the caregivers to inquire about oral protection and injury prevention.

A mouth guard works by absorbing the shock of a contact … it provides protection for teeth, gums, tongue, and soft oral tissues. But it also works to cushion blows that can result in jawbone fractures, neck injuries, and even concussions.

And it’s not just the immediate injury that can impact you or your child. Long term ramifications such as a tooth that has been knocked out can result in costly and time consuming restorative work. Other injuries can mean pain or discomfort that last indefinitely. When you compare these results to the minimal time and effort needed to obtain a customized mouth protector, it just makes good sense to invest in the optimum protection available.

Your family or pediatric dentist can provide that extra protection to prevent dental injuries for all the sports participants in your family.

Contact our team at Fort Worth Children’s Dentistry today!