Protecting Those Back To School Smiles
24/Aug/2006 03:11 PM
Just a
reminder for students and parents that part of any
back to school supply list should be a mouthguard for
any child playing contact sports such as football,
basketball, wrestling, soccer or any sport that poses
a risk of injury to a child's smile.
A mouthguard is as essential as a helmet or padding for school sports. Bruises and bones can heal, but teeth cannot be replaced without a lot of cost and pain to the patient and the parents. Mouthguards are also helpful in preventing concussion as they absorb about 50% of the force from jaw related impacts, thus reducing the amount of trauma to the brain.
There are three types of mouth guards: the regular store bought mouth guard, the boil and bite mouthguard, and custom made mouthguards fitted by your dentist. A custom fitted mouthguard will provide the most comfortable fit and a dentist can make any alterations if needed. A mouthguard fitted by your dentist can also be customized to the demands of the sport or athlete.
To ensure the mouthguard continues to do its job it is recommended the child bring it to any dental checkups to make sure it is still fitting properly and is in good condition. The American Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist about a mouthguard for the following sports: Acrobatics, Basketball, Boxing, Field Hockey, Football, Gymnastics, Martial Arts, Racquetball, Rugby, Softball, Volleyball and Wrestling.
A mouthguard is as essential as a helmet or padding for school sports. Bruises and bones can heal, but teeth cannot be replaced without a lot of cost and pain to the patient and the parents. Mouthguards are also helpful in preventing concussion as they absorb about 50% of the force from jaw related impacts, thus reducing the amount of trauma to the brain.
There are three types of mouth guards: the regular store bought mouth guard, the boil and bite mouthguard, and custom made mouthguards fitted by your dentist. A custom fitted mouthguard will provide the most comfortable fit and a dentist can make any alterations if needed. A mouthguard fitted by your dentist can also be customized to the demands of the sport or athlete.
To ensure the mouthguard continues to do its job it is recommended the child bring it to any dental checkups to make sure it is still fitting properly and is in good condition. The American Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist about a mouthguard for the following sports: Acrobatics, Basketball, Boxing, Field Hockey, Football, Gymnastics, Martial Arts, Racquetball, Rugby, Softball, Volleyball and Wrestling.
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