Mouth guards are primarily used for prevention from sports injuries. Nearly any sport that children play involving any contact whatsoever can involve injuries to the teeth, leading to further treatment. Because mouth guards are so effective at preventing trauma, they are highly recommended, and their use extends beyond just sports.
In the world of pediatric dentistry, mouth guards play a crucial role in the protection, prevention, and treatment of various oral health concerns. So, in this article I want to cover a few uses and reasons for parents to consider their use.
First, I’ll cover the basics.
What Are Mouth Guards?
A mouthguard is a soft, flexible dental appliance that is worn over the teeth. It is custom fit in our office to ensure that it is comfortable and effective.
Mouth guards are designed to absorb and distribute the force of an impact or pressure to the teeth, helping to prevent severe damage. When properly fit to the mouth of the child, impacts to the teeth and jaw can be mitigated as the impact is taken, in part, by the device itself.
But, in addition, we also use mouth guards other purposes such as for natural jaw and tooth alignment and to prevent teeth grinding.
There are different types of mouth guards available, each serving a unique purpose:
- Sport Mouthguards: Used to protect against physical injuries during sports activities.
- Night Guards: Worn during sleep to prevent damage caused by teeth grinding (bruxism).
- Orthodontic Mouth Guards: Designed for children undergoing orthodontic treatment to protect braces and other dental appliances.
The use of all these devices aligns with the main purpose of our practice – prevention.
How Mouth Guards Can Help Children Avoid Long-Term Damage
Aside from the aforementioned protection from severe damage to the teeth, I want to cover the long term benefits of using mouth guards.
Unfortunately, some children suffer from conditions that cause them pain or make them grind their teeth at night. For those with severe conditions such as these, we can treat the using mouth guards that prevent further damage. Here are a conditions and how we can treat them:
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Teeth grinding, also known as Bruxism, is a fairly common issue in children. Children with this condition tend to grind their teeth, especially during sleep. Grinding can wear down the enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity, headaches, and even fractures. In some cases, it can also lead to pain in the jaw muscles or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
To treat this we use a Night Guard.
Wearing a night guard while sleeping can prevent this kind of damage by creating a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth. The soft material of the mouthguard absorbs the pressure exerted during grinding, helping to protect the teeth from excessive wear. For children with bruxism, a custom-fitted nightguard comfortably fits their teeth and jaw, reducing the risk of long-term dental damage.
Preventing Damage to Braces and Appliances
For children undergoing orthodontic treatment, mouth guards are used to protect braces and other dental appliances. When wearing braces, the teeth and surrounding gums are more susceptible to injury, particularly in contact sports. A custom mouthguard for braces provides an additional layer of protection, preventing brackets and wires from causing cuts or abrasions to the soft tissues in the mouth. This not only ensures the safety of the child but also protects the progress of the orthodontic treatment.
The Treatment of Existing Oral Issues
One final use to touch on here is for existing conditions.
For children experiencing issues such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, sleep apnea, or orthodontic concerns, a mouthguard can provide relief and support the treatment process. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can result from teeth grinding, jaw misalignment, or even stress. TMJ disorders cause pain in the jaw muscles, headaches, and difficulty moving the jaw. A custom-fitted mouthguard can be used to treat this condition by helping to realign the jaw and reduce pressure on the TMJ. By preventing grinding and promoting proper jaw positioning, the mouthguard alleviates discomfort.
Why Custom Mouth Guards Are A Great Solution
While there are many over-the-counter mouth guards available, custom-fit mouth guards are generally the best option for children. Over-the-counter options may not provide the same level of protection, comfort, or durability.
A custom-fitted mouth guard is made from a mold of the child’s teeth, allowing for a snug fit that is both comfortable and effective. This personalized design ensures that the mouthguard won’t shift out of place during physical activity or while sleeping, providing continuous protection and support.
My Final Thoughts
For children who play sports, have braces, or experience teeth grinding, a custom mouth guard can improve their condition and protect and prevent further damage. If your think your child can benefit from a mouth guard, I encourage you to call or visit us today and find out how we can help them. Let’s ensure they have a happy, healthy smile for years to come.
