It’s generally accepted that if a child regularly participates in sports, contact or otherwise, they should always wear a mouthguard in order to protect their teeth. This is a no-brainer. However, did you know that a mouthguard, especially a custom-made one supplied by your dentist in Hamden, can do so much more than simply keep your child’s smile safe? Today, the team at D’Andrea & Pantera DMD discuss the little known benefits of wearing a mouthguard and how they can have huge impact on you and your child’s lives both on and off the field.
They Protect Against Concussions
It’s true. More and more studies are showing that when a child wears a mouthguard while playing sports, it significantly reduces their chances of sustaining a concussion. And, whether the mouthguard is custom-made or not is a big factor as well.
In a study published by the Academy of General Dentistry, high school football players were able to cut their chances of getting a concussion by more than half by simply wearing a custom-made mouthguard versus a generic store-bought one. Mouthguards are built to absorb impacts, and researchers believe this enables them to keep the head and neck more stable during trauma, therefore limiting damage to the brain. And, because customized, dentist-made mouthguards are much higher quality than what can be found it stores, they also offer much more protection.
With the risk of concussions in sports becoming more and more prominent every day, custom-made mouthguards have shown themselves to be an easy and affordable away to prevent serious injury.
They Protect Your Finances
Many parents choose to get their child a store-bought mouthguard simply because it is cheaper than a custom-made one. However, when considering how much it may cost to fix a tooth because a mouthguard was unable to stop a dental injury, spending a little more money now can actually save you thousands down the line.
A custom-made mouthguard supplied by a dentist typically costs about $300-$500. This might seem like a lot up front, but do you know how much is costs to fix a single broken tooth with a dental crown? About $1,200. Considering that most dental sports injuries affect more than just one tooth, it actually makes better financial sense to spend a little more and get a higher-quality mouthguard than simply hope a generic one can do the job.
They’re Much More Comfortable
When we make a mouthguard for a patient, we custom-design it so it not only can keep their smile safe, but also so it’s perfectly comfortable. Store-bought mouthguards are designed to fit a wide range of people, which means they are often very irritating and awkward to wear for some. They can easily make it difficult for a child to breathe normally, and even worse, not even effectively protect their teeth! When a child has a mouthguard that is made just for them, they can keep their mind on the game and not have to constantly worry about equipment.
Keep Them Safe
We know that mouthguards are all about keeping people safe, and that’s why we take them so seriously. With one custom-made by us, we guarantee it will not only keep your child in the game longer, but it will also give you peace of mind.
If you have any questions about mouthguards, or if you’d like to schedule an appointment to get one made for your child, please contact us today.
