A mouthguard is a strong and beneficial appliance that can keep your child’s smile in tip-top shape. In fact, it can protect their teeth, gums, and jaw when nothing else can. Our dentist, Dr. Sterling Whitworth, recommends encouraging your child to wear a mouthguard at certain times so they can have the strong and healthy smile they deserve.
The first situation that is recommended to wear a mouthguard is when your child participates in high-contact sports and activities. This includes wrestling, rugby, karate, football, soccer, basketball, and more. If your child participates in any activity where they could suffer a blow to the mouth, it’s best that they protect their smile with a mouthguard. The second situation is if your child grinds their teeth when they sleep. This habit can cause worn-down and broken tooth enamel and wearing a mouthguard can help them avoid those injuries. Your dentist will prescribe a mouthguard if it’s needed.
If your child needs some convincing when they are told they need to wear a mouthguard, there are a couple things you can do. You can tell them about the dental emergencies that can occur if they don’t wear a mouthguard. These include knocked-out, broken, and chipped teeth as well as torn gums and a broken jaw. Then, you can show them a picture of their favorite professional athlete wearing a mouthguard. This might help them feel more motivated about wearing the appliance.
For more information and details about mouthguards in Covington, Georgia, please contact Covington Dental Partners at 770-786-9339 at your earliest convenience and talk to a member of our dental team. We look forward to assisting you!