Author: Dr. Maria Wytko
Is your child involved in contact or high-impact sports? Dental injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries in children, and many of them are entirely preventable. Dr. Maria Wytko and her kid-friendly team at TKO Dentistry are pleased to offer custom sports mouthguards made for your child’s one-of-a-kind smile. We use the latest technology and highest-quality materials to provide your young athlete’s smile with the best possible protection.
What Are Sports Mouthguards?
Sports mouthguards are oral appliances that are designed to absorb the forces of impact during sports activities, safeguarding your child’s smile. They are highly recommended for any child involved in sports or recreational activities where they’re at risk of dental injuries, such as football, hockey, basketball, skateboarding, or gymnastics. Even non-contact sports carry risks from accidental falls or collisions with equipment, making consistent protection a smart choice for every active child.
The Importance of Wearing a Sports Mouthguard
Wearing a well-fitted mouthguard during athletic activities helps absorb and distribute the force of accidental impact, cushioning your child’s teeth, jaw, and surrounding soft tissues. It helps lower the risk of knocked-out, chipped, or fractured teeth. It can also reduce your child’s risk of lip and cheek injuries or of accidentally biting the tongue.
The American Dental Association estimates that mouthguards prevent more than 200,000 dental injuries every year. Losing or severely damaging a tooth can affect a child’s bite, speech, and confidence for years to come.
Custom vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards: What Is the Difference?
There are many mouthguard options available from sporting goods stores. For example, stock mouthguards are an inexpensive one-size-fits-all option, but they tend to fit poorly, can feel bulky or uncomfortable, and rarely provide adequate protection. You can also purchase boil-and-bite mouthguards that provide a more personalized fit. You can personalize them by placing them in hot water, having your child bite down on them, and molding the material to the shape of your child’s teeth. While boil-and-bite guards provide a better fit than their stock counterparts, they are often bulky and uncomfortable, offering limited protection for your child’s smile.
Custom-fitted athletic guards are created using precise digital impressions of your child’s teeth. They provide a snug, comfortable fit and offer maximum protection for your child’s smile. A custom sports guard is also more durable and easier to breathe and speak in, so your child is more likely to wear it during sports activities.
Custom Sports Mouthguards Near Me in North Scottsdale, AZ
Dr. Maria Wytko and her team at TKO Dentistry are proponents of prevention rather than addressing sports-related dental injuries after they develop. If your child is involved in contact or high-impact sports, make sure to ask us about a custom mouthguard for protection. As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is a pound of cure.”
We invite you to call us at (480) 896-7888 to schedule an appointment or follow this link to request one today! We look forward to caring for all your dental needs.
