Protect Your Child’s Smile While Playing Sports

Louisville, KY

Sports allow children to learn about teamwork and sportsmanship while staying active and fit. But whether on the field, court or track, physical activity increases the risk of injury, including to the mouth, teeth and gums. Our family dentist in Louisville is sharing today a few tips to help you safeguard your child’s smile while s/he has fun.

Let’s talk mouthguards

The best way to protect your child’s teeth while they’re playing sports is with a well-fitted mouthguard that will help cushion impacts and reduce the risk of broken teeth and jaw injuries. But what kind of mouthguard should you choose?

Let’s look at a few that are widely available:

• Stock mouthguards are pre-formed, sold over the counter and are ready to wear.
• Boil-and-bite mouthguards are from thermoplastic material and are softened in boiling water then shaped around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure.
• Custom-fitted mouthguards are designed and created in one visit to our Jeffersonville family dentist’s office. Made from digital images of your child’s mouth, these mouthguards are custom-made to hug and protect your child’s teeth.

Custom-made vs. store-bought

Any mouthguard to help protect your child’s smile is better than none at all. However, store-bought sports guards, while inexpensive, are “one size fits all.” This often means they’re uncomfortable because they don’t fit well, which also makes it difficult for a child to speak and breathe. For these reasons, our Shepherdsville pediatric dentist recommends a custom-made mouthguard that is made specifically for your child’s mouth. 

Mouthguards for kids in Louisville, Jeffersonville, and Shepherdsville, KY

It’s important, in the event of a sports-related emergency, that you know the number and address of our Louisville family dentist office and that you carry your dental insurance card with you at all times. It’s easier to act fast when you’re prepared. Is your child involved in sports? Let us help protect his or her smile and your heart and pocketbook. Give Exceptional Dentistry a call at 888-918-3336, or reach out to us online to schedule an appointment today.