WHAT ARE ATHLETIC MOUTH GUARDS?

Once your child begins to participate in sporting activities s/he should be fitted for and should wear an athletic mouth guard. Athletic mouth guards or protectors are made of soft plastic. They are adapted to fit comfortably to the shape of the upper teeth. Mouth guards protect not just the teeth, but the lips, cheek and tongue. They help protect your child from head and neck injuries such as jaw fractures. Increasingly, organized sports are requiring mouth guards to prevent injury to their athletes. Research shows that most oral injuries occur when athletes are not wearing mouth protection.

WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR A MOUTH GUARD?

Whenever he or she is in an activity with a risk of fall or of head contact with other players or equipment. This includes football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, and even gymnastics.

HOW DO I CHOOSE A MOUTH GUARD FOR MY CHILD?

Any mouth guard works better than no mouth guard. Choose a mouth guard that your child can wear comfortably. You can select from several options. You may obtain a preformed or boil-to-fit mouth guard in a sports store. Different types and brands vary in terms of comfort, protection and cost. Your pediatric dentist can make customized mouth guards. These are more expensive, but in general are more comfortable, fit better and are more effective in preventing injuries.

MY CHILD GRINDS HIS TEETH, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Grinding of teeth, also known as bruxism, is a habit developed by up to 15% of all children and young adults. It is more frequently experienced at night time and can result in abrasion or wear of the permanent and primary teeth. The cause of bruxism varies and may be related to stress (going to school, moving), inner ear pressure, or improper bite (occlusion). The majorities of cases of bruxism experienced by the pediatric patient do not require intervention or treatment and will spontaneously resolve. Most cases will have resolved by the time the child is 9-10 years of age. For those cases where intervention is warranted, a night guard may help.

WHAT IS A NIGHT GUARD?

A night guard looks very much like an athletic mouth guard but is generally custom made to fit over the teeth properly. Night guards are made of a soft type of plastic material. Night guards protect the teeth from wear and are worn at night. Disadvantages to the use of a night guard include interference with jaw growth, cooperation in wearing the appliance, and choking from the appliance becoming dislodged at night.

 

 

 

 

 

Sew a Lost Tooth Pillow

 

 

Print and Color "First Lost Tooth" Certificate

 

 

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"Another Lost Tooth" Certificate