Sports Mouthguard in Hudson, MA

A sports mouthguard protects your child’s teeth and gums from injuries during sports or other activities, such as skateboarding or rollerblading. It wraps around the upper teeth, so the lower teeth and jaw are well protected. Some high-quality sports mouthguards can even allow for some grinding and clenching that may be necessary for some athletes while reducing the likelihood of concussion.

All children should wear a mouthguard during sports activities. Even non-athletes who grind their teeth at night can benefit from wearing a special mouthguard called a nightguard to prevent chipping and wearing down of the teeth. Children with braces should also wear mouthguards while playing sports to help protect their orthodontic treatment.

At Restoration Smiles: Adult & Pediatric Dentistry, our dentist can also prescribe a custom-fitted sports mouthguard for your child if a generic one doesn’t fit correctly. Custom-fitted mouthguards can be more comfortable and stay in the mouth better because they are designed specifically for your child’s mouth. 

Types of Sports Mouthguards 

Stock mouthguards are inexpensive and can be found at most sporting goods stores or pharmacies. They are a boil-and-bite type product that your orthodontist can adjust to fit your child’s mouth. But they must be molded to the exact shape of your child’s teeth for them to be effective. This also means that they can be bulky and uncomfortable to wear. And if they aren’t fitted correctly, they could be rendered ineffective.

Custom-fitted mouthguards are the most effective type of mouthguard available. Because they are based on an exact impression of your child’s mouth, they will be customized to fit perfectly and will not move around while your child is playing. This sports mouthguard is the most comfortable type to wear and can effectively protect your child from oral injury.

The Benefits of Wearing a Mouthguard

Protection From Injury

An injury to the mouth or jaw can be painful and dangerous. A properly fitted sports mouthguard can prevent these injuries, making for a safer game! Even minor blows to the mouth can result in broken teeth, tooth loss, and damage to the gums, tongue, or lips. Mouthguards can also prevent concussions by protecting against dangerous blows to the head.

Easier Breathing

When a child uses an orthodontic sports mouthguard, they can breathe much easier while playing. The guard keeps the teeth from touching each other and helps keep the lips and cheeks stay away from the teeth. This avoids any interference in the airway while the child is playing or participating.

Using a mouthguard also helps prevent damage to teeth and gums that might occur due to impact to the face or jaw. This damage can include wearing out the tooth enamel or even breaking a tooth. In some cases, trauma can even result in tooth loss. 

If your child needs a custom-made mouthguard, don’t hesitate to visit Restoration Smiles: Adult & Pediatric Dentistry at 2 Coolidge St Suite 202, Hudson, MA 01749, or call (508) 658-0661 to schedule an appointment.