Mouthguards

Summer is just around the corner and if your kids aren’t out for summer break yet, they will be. With all the summer fun comes the increased risk of injury to your child’s mouth. Sports like basketball, football, soccer, and baseball all carry an inherent risk of facial injury.

Some of the most common reasons for oral trauma that Dr. Singh sees are the result of sports-related traumas. Taking an elbow to the mouth, being tackled to the ground and landing chin first, or being hit in the face with a ball can all lead to broken, fractured or chipped teeth.
Dental trauma can cause issues with your child’s bite and how their teeth are aligned. A mouthguard can help prevent these injuries and, if they occur, decrease their severity.

What is a mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a fitted plastic cover that goes over your child’s teeth. It is custom made to fit their teeth perfectly and helps absorb shock from injuries to the teeth, gums, arches, and lips.

How is a mouthguard made?

The first step in creating a mouthguard is to come in for an appointment with Dr. Singh. She will examine your mouth and take impressions. These impressions are critical, as a person’s mouth is as unique as their fingerprints.

Once the impressions are taken, Dr. Singh will send them to a lab, where you mouthguard will be created. The lab will then send the impressions back to our office.

During your second appointment, Dr. Singh will fit the mouthguard to ensure there aren’t any issues. Minor tweaks will be made during your appointment, so you can take it home that day.

You’ll also be given a case to put it in, so it’s protected from warping or being lost in the couch!

How do I care for a mouthguard?

Caring for your mouthguard is pretty simple. First and foremost, you’ll want to rinse it with cold water after each user. Once a day wash it using toothpaste. This will help reduce bacterial build up over time.

Let your mouthguard dry on a clean towel and place it in its carrying case when you’re not using it.

And never chew on your mouthguard. This weakens the plastic and makes it more prone to breaking, which ultimately impacts its ability to protect you.

Is my child a candidate for a mouthguard?

If your child plays any sport, he or she would likely benefit from a mouthguard. While people tend to think accidents and injuries will never happen to them, sports related injuries are incredibly common. Preventing them before they happen will not only save your child a lot of pain but can also save money in the long run.

Oftentimes, mending injuries takes more money than preventing them.

If you’re interested in consulting with Dr. Singh about a mouthguard for your child, contact us. We can get you set up with an appointment and answer any questions you have. Dr. Singh is an experienced pediatric dentist and committed to making your children feel safe and comfortable.