Guard Your Child’s Smile
Posted: Mar 9, 2020 in
Your child loves playing hockey, football, soccer or baseball. You make sure he/she is wearing the proper equipment to stay safe, whether it’s knee pads or a helmet.
But what about that gorgeous smile? Your child needs a properly fitted mouthguard to protect his/her teeth and jaw during sports play, and this even includes things like gymnastics and figure skating.
Types of Mouthguards
There are different types of mouthguards that range in quality and price.
Stock
- Pre-formed and ready to wear
- Plastic
- Buy them at a sports store or pharmacy
- Usually don’t fit well
- Don’t last long
- Might make breathing and talking difficult
Boil and Bite
- Buy them at sports store or pharmacy
- Soften in boiled water then fit into mouth to take shape
- Usually too thin, hard to keep in place
- Lose shape quickly
Custom-Fitted
- Created by your child’s dentist
- Molded to your child’s teeth
- Made to stay in place
- Strong, durable
- Fits correctly and securely
- Comfortable
- Allows for normal breathing
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
A custom-fitted mouthguard usually fits to the upper teeth, and in addition to protecting the teeth and jaw, it also protects the tongue, lips and lining of the cheek. There are a number of ways it can be made. A popular way is called a dry model technique because it allows for a great fit without being too bulky. There are also different types of materials that can be used, but your child’s dentist will decide based on the reason why he/she needs it. There are many dental clinics in Calgary that can do this for your child.
Caring for a custom-fitted mouthguard is important, but quite easy. After use, simply rinse it in cold, soapy water and then dry it off with a towel or tissue. Keep it in the container (it usually comes with a hard plastic container that has air holes in it) in a safe place and out of the sun (or a hot car).
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards for Kids and Adults: Simply put, think of a custom-fitted mouthguard as part of your child’s athletic gear; it’s just one more important piece of sports equipment. But: It’s not just kids who can benefit from mouthguards, it’s for grown-ups too! If you’re an adult who plays sports, or if you grind your teeth at night, look into getting a custom-fitted mouthguard from your local Calgary dentist. Woodcreek Dental Care makes custom-fitted mouthguards for children and adults. We’re a dental clinic serving Calgary and SW Calgary. Give us a call today to set up your appointment or browse our website to see what we can offer you!