{"id":199,"date":"2022-07-02T21:28:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-02T21:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.esparzafamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=199"},"modified":"2022-08-05T21:31:27","modified_gmt":"2022-08-05T21:31:27","slug":"why-your-child-should-wear-a-mouthguard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.esparzafamilydentistry.com\/blog\/why-your-child-should-wear-a-mouthguard\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Your Child Should Wear a Mouthguard"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Children<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

It\u2019s exciting to watch your little one participate in sports while cheering them on! But the world can come to a screeching halt when you witness your child get popped in the mouth by a flailing arm, foul ball, or errant pass. That said, these situations aren\u2019t entirely avoidable\u2014but there are measures you can take to protect your child when it does happen! One thing to consider is a mouthguard; these handy devices are great for preventing serious oral trauma. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist<\/a> about why mouthguards are paramount for protecting children\u2019s smiles as they run and play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Mouthguards Are Important for Sports Safety<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Athletes of all ages, sizes, and skill levels wear mouthguards, and for a good reason\u2014according to recent research, sports injuries actually contribute to one-third of all injuries to the mouth and face! Similar to how a helmet protects against head trauma, a mouthguard can protect your child\u2019s mouth and face from serious injuries like chipped, fractured, or knocked out teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These devices are often made from soft plastic or laminate and can safeguard every part of your mouth including your teeth, gums, cheeks, and jaw. They can\u2019t prevent an accidental blow to the face, but they absolutely can lessen the resulting damage by spreading out the pressure of the impact across a larger area. The soft material of the mouthguard also absorbs some of the force. Ultimately, this can greatly reduce the severity of injuries sustained to the mouth and face during both contact and non-contact sports alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Care for Your Child\u2019s Mouthguard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your child\u2019s mouthguard is similar to other oral appliances and devices in that if it becomes compromised, it won\u2019t be able to do its job. That said, consider the following tips to ensure that your child\u2019s mouthguard is clean and undamaged:<\/p>\n\n\n\n