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Mouthguards: Protecting Your Children in Sports

Phillip • May 5, 2021
Mouthguards: Protecting Your Children in Sports

Mouthguards are an essential accessory for any high-impact sports. In order to keep your child safe, it is essential that you, as a parent, know when your child should be wearing a mouthguard, what type of mouthguard they should have, and how to correctly fit their mouthguard. Lastly, since many children are resistant to wearing protective gear in sports, it is important that you remind your children why it is important to wear a mouthguard. 

What Sports Warrant a Mouthguard?

While most coaches encourage children to wear mouthguards in sports like boxing, football, martial arts, wrestling, hockey, and lacrosse, there are actually several other sports that, ideally, should also require mouthguards. According to the American Dental Association, you should encourage your child to wear a mouthguard during skiing, skateboarding, basketball, gymnastics, surfing, soccer, water polo, etc. Unfortunately, depending on the culture of the sport, it can sometimes seem unpopular to wear protective gear; nevertheless, your child will be grateful when they realize the protection that mouthguards provide. 

What Mouthguard Should You Get? 

There are actually multiple options when it comes to mouthguards. Each option varies in expense, quality, availability, and protection:  

  • Stock Mouthguards : These are ready-to-use mouthguards that you can purchase at your local sports store or online. Just be cautious because, since they are not form-fitting to your child’s mouth, they do not offer as much protection. Nevertheless, if you do not have the budget for a custom-made mouthguard, stock mouthguards are often better than nothing.

 

  • “Boil and Bite” Mouthguards : Also known as mouth-formed mouthguards, these mouthguards are slightly more personalized than stock mouthguards. The athlete is supposed to bite down into a heated thermoplastic rim, which then cools into the shape of the athlete’s mouth. One weakness of this method is that they tend to be more flimsy compared to a custom mouthguard. 

 

  • Custom Mouthguards : Whenever it comes to mouth protection, custom is almost always the best option. Custom mouthguards can be created by your child’s dentist and are made to fit your child’s mouth perfectly. Due to the materials used to make these mouthguards, as well as the better fit of the mouthguard to your child’s mouth, custom mouthguards offer the greatest oral protection. Nevertheless, they can be more expensive—but also tend to be worth your money long-term (less expensive dental procedures). 

How to Correctly Fit a Mouthguard

If a mouthguard doesn’t fit your child properly, it will hardly offer them any protection. Therefore, it is essential that, as a parent, you ensure that your child’s mouthguard is a good fit and won’t fall out during their big game, event, or competition. The first major sign that your child’s mouthguard fits right is that they are not gagging. If your child is gagging, the mouthguard is probably too large and needs to be trimmed so that it isn’t touching the soft palate. 

Second, making sure that the mouthguard is snug and that your child doesn’t need to clench his or her jaw or bite down to keep it in place. If your child is biting or clenching his or her jaw, that means that the mouthguard is too loose and needs to be smaller. Ideally, your child’s mouthguard should fit snuggly on the upper teeth without falling. Lastly, keep in mind that your child’s mouthguard doesn’t need to cover the whole upper jaw, just most of his or her teeth and gums, if possible. 

Why Are Mouthguards Important?

Mouthguards act as a miniature cushion to your child’s mouth. If something happens and your child gets a blow to the face, they will be much less likely to receive major damage to their teeth. Furthermore, mouthguards not only protect your child’s teeth, but also their gums, their jaw, and their lips. Paying for a mouthguard will not only save your child from unnecessary discomfort and pain, but it may also save you from having to spend thousands of dollars on oral or cosmetic surgery, as well as any other health problems that may result from broken teeth, damaged gums, a broken jaw, or a damaged face. 

When playing high-contact sports, your child is at major risk for injury. Who knows when they might get an elbow to the lip, crash into a tree, fall on their face, or receive a blow to the mouth. As a parent, it is part of your job to protect your child. While you shouldn’t be a “helicopter parent,” good parents are still cautious and ensure that their children are sufficiently safe during their high-risk activities. There is never a need for unnecessary damage that could be avoided through a little preventative care.

Tooth Extractions: What to Expect and How to Prepare

March 2, 2025
Getting a tooth extracted can feel daunting, but understanding why extractions are sometimes necessary—and how to prepare for the procedure—helps alleviate anxiety. In many cases, removing a tooth can preserve and protect the overall integrity of your smile. By learning what to expect before, during, and after your appointment, you can confidently approach the process and set yourself up for a smooth recovery. Why Extractions Become Necessary Several factors can prompt a dental professional to recommend extracting a tooth. Severe decay that has compromised too much of the tooth’s structure may leave restoration efforts, such as fillings or crowns, insufficient for preserving oral health. In other situations, a tooth might be fractured or damaged beyond repair. Advanced periodontal (gum) disease affecting bone health can also lead to the need for an extraction, especially if it becomes challenging to support the stability of the affected tooth. Additionally, tooth extractions are sometimes part of comprehensive treatment plans to improve alignment or create adequate space in the mouth. If you have an impacted tooth—often a wisdom tooth that cannot fully emerge above the gum line—removal may be the best route to prevent infection and protect surrounding teeth. According to the Journal of the American Dental Association , extractions can also help manage overcrowding issues. While it’s normal to experience some worry about the process, early planning and open communication with your dental team often ease concerns and enable a confident mindset. Exploring the Procedure Modern dentistry places a significant emphasis on patient comfort, and tooth extraction procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia or another form of sedation. The first step usually involves thorough imaging—such as X-rays—to help your dentist evaluate the condition of the tooth and surrounding bone. This assessment ensures that if there are risks, such as curved or multiple roots, your dentist is well-prepared to navigate them and remove the tooth in the safest way possible. During a simple extraction, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth, and specialized tools gently loosen the tooth from its socket. If the tooth in question has not fully erupted or is severely fractured, a surgical extraction may be required. In this instance, small incisions in the gum tissue provide access to safely remove the tooth. Regardless of the method, your dental team strives to keep you comfortable throughout. You might feel pressure during the procedure, but pain sensations should be minimal. If you experience discomfort, it’s important to communicate immediately with your dental professional so they can adjust your level of anesthesia or sedation. Helpful Tips for a Stress-Free Experience Because dental visits can stir up apprehension in some patients, taking a few simple steps beforehand makes a difference in how you feel. Plan to discuss any existing medical conditions, allergies, or medications with your dentist in advance. This helps your dental team tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs and ensure optimal safety. Avoid eating a large meal directly before an extraction if you’ll be sedated, but do follow any instructions your dentist provides regarding water intake or light snacking. Preparation extends beyond the logistical details. For instance, calming exercises—like diaphragmatic breathing or gentle stretching—can help relax your mind while you wait. If you have concerns about the procedure itself, talking openly with your dentist or hygienist often relieves worries. They can walk you through exactly what to expect, address any fears, and discuss customization options like sedation. Remember that choosing a trusted dental practice that prioritizes clear communication is a vital step toward a worry-free experience. Post-Extraction Care for a Successful Recovery The recovery phase plays a critical role in ensuring that your mouth heals swiftly and thoroughly. Immediately after an extraction, it is common to apply gauze to the site, helping to control bleeding and create a blood clot. Be mindful not to disturb the clot, as it protects the underlying bone and nerve endings. Avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously, drinking through a straw, or consuming overly hot foods for at least the first 24 hours. Doing so might dislodge the clot and prolong healing. As your mouth recovers, stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing—soups, yogurt, applesauce, and mashed vegetables are typically easy to manage. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids but limit alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, as they can slow the healing process. Good oral hygiene is still essential, but be gentle around the extraction site. Carefully brushing off plaque in other areas of the mouth and rinsing lightly with a mild saline solution—recommended by many dentists and backed by Mayo Clinic —can keep the healing site clean without creating irritation. If you notice persistent swelling, prolonged bleeding, or discomfort that worsens over time, contact your dentist promptly. Planning Your Follow-Up Visit After an extraction, follow-up visits help gauge the progress of your recovery. Your dentist may recommend an appointment around a week or two later to make sure the socket is healing well and to check for any complications. This visit is also an excellent time to discuss a long-term plan for replacing the extracted tooth if needed. Options like dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures are popular methods to address gaps, enhance aesthetics, and maintain proper chewing function. By consulting with your dental professional, you’ll gain personalized insights into whether a temporary restorative solution or a permanent replacement is best suited for you. Investing in a timely replacement not only preserves your smile’s appearance but also supports the integrity of your remaining teeth. Missing teeth can shift over time, and your jawbone health may be affected if they are not replaced. Addressing these concerns early ensures a strong foundation for your continued oral wellness. Where to Learn More and Take the Next Step Recovering from a tooth extraction can be more straightforward than you might imagine when you are equipped with the right information and a caring dental team. Having a clear plan, understanding the procedure, and knowing how to care for yourself afterward make all the difference in feeling confident about your oral health journey.  If you have questions about the tooth extraction process or want personalized guidance, visit the Contact Us page on our website. We’re here to help you schedule an appointment, address any concerns, and guide you toward additional services that promote a healthy, beautiful smile. At South Temple Dental, you’ll find a friendly team ready to support you at every phase of your dental care. Let us partner with you to ensure that your tooth extraction experience is as comfortable, efficient, and positive as possible.

Nurturing a Smile: The Benefits of Dental Sealants for Kids

February 20, 2025
Dental sealants offer a proactive way to protect young teeth from cavities, helping children maintain happier, healthier smiles. By forming a strong shield against harmful bacteria, sealants can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay over the long haul. Below, we delve into how this preventive measure works, the recommended age for receiving them, and the common myths that sometimes surround dental sealants. Understanding the Power of Dental Sealants The concept behind dental sealants is simple yet powerful: a thin, protective coating is placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars) to keep food debris and bacteria from settling into the grooves. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , dental sealants have the potential to prevent up to 80% of cavities in the back teeth—the most common area children develop cavities. While brushing twice a day and flossing daily remain crucial, sealants serve as a valuable extra line of defense. Even the most thorough at-home cleaning can miss tiny crevices that house bacteria. Elastic sealants fill those small nooks, preventing decay at its earliest stages. How Sealants Protect Growing Smiles When a child gets a sealant, the tooth surface is first cleaned and dried. Afterward, a solution is gently applied to the tooth to help the sealant bond better. The final step is painting the sealant onto the enamel, where it hardens within seconds under a special curing light. Because the sealant is almost invisible, children can enjoy capped protection without any impact on speech, chewing, or appearance. Once applied, sealants form a reliable barrier that can last for several years, though regular dental checkups will confirm if sealants need reapplication. The American Dental Association (ADA) endorses the use of sealants as an effective form of cavity prevention, as noted in their sealant guidelines . By supplementing routine brushing and flossing, this added shield can provide an extra layer of security for developing smiles. Ideal Age for Dental Sealants Children begin to get their permanent molars around age six, with additional molars appearing in their early teens. During these formative years, introducing dental sealants is often recommended. By coating the back teeth soon after they come in, the risk of cavities can be greatly minimized. While the ideal window for applying sealants is generally around the age children receive their permanent molars, it is never too late to consider this treatment if your child is prone to cavities or has deeply grooved teeth. Talking with a trusted pediatric or general dentist about your child’s dental health history can help determine the right time to apply sealants. Common Myths, Clarified Even with a solid record of success, questions sometimes arise about dental sealants. Let’s address a few: “Sealants contain harmful substances.” Modern sealants are designed to be safe and effective. Many are BPA-free, and any concerns about chemical exposure should be discussed directly with your dentist, who can verify specific product information. “Fluoride does the same job as sealants.” Although fluoride (in toothpaste, mouthwash, and tap water) strengthens enamel and helps resist decay, sealants specifically protect the areas that are most vulnerable to bacteria and plaque. Both fluoride and sealants work together within a comprehensive cavity-prevention strategy. “Sealants make it harder to clean teeth.” In reality, sealants can make brushing more effective by smoothing over the deep grooves that often trap food. Dental hygiene routines continue as normal, and your child’s dentist will still check on the integrity of the sealants at regular visits. Moving Forward Toward Healthier Smiles One of the most rewarding aspects of dental sealants is the boost it gives to both parents and kids. Parents breathe easier knowing they’ve proactively reinforced their child’s teeth, and children feel more enthusiastic about their dental visits when they know they have an extra layer of protection against cavities. In addition to these benefits, maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine at home remains essential. By combining the protective power of sealants with proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, you’ll encourage a lifetime of strong and healthy teeth. As your child grows, their dentist can keep an eye on how well the sealants are holding up, ensuring a truly long-lasting defense. Next Steps for a Brighter Smile If you’d like to learn more about how dental sealants could fit into your child’s preventive care plan, we invite you to explore our comprehensive services at South Temple Dental . Whether you’re new to our practice or someone we see regularly, we’re here to make every dental visit as comfortable and beneficial as possible.  To schedule a consultation or ask any further questions, please visit our Contact page . We look forward to helping your family take the next step in safeguarding those growing smiles.
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