When Should Student Athletes Use Mouth Guards?

At All Pro Dental in Revere Massachusetts, we serve families from all over Greater Boston. There are a lot of student-athletes in this area that play a variety of sports year-round. From high school baseball to college basketball, there are a variety of sports played in our area. As dentists, one question we hear often is whether or not we recommend that athletes wear mouth guards to protect their teeth. Generally, we recommend that students playing dangerous sports consider wearing mouth guards.

How Old Are Your Kids?

The first thing to consider when deciding on mouth guards is the age of your children. For the most part, the younger your kids are, the less competitive and less dangerous sports are. Although kids can get injured at any age playing sports, younger kids are much less likely to suffer an injury. At the high school or college level, it is recommended that student-athletes wear mouthguards. This is especially true for dangerous or full-contact sports.

What Sport Are They Playing?

Another consideration is the sport that your kids are playing and what is expected. For instance, most football leagues require student-athletes to wear mouthguards. If your child is simply in gym class or playing a sport like a baseball they may not need a mouthguard. However, if they play hockey, are a catcher in baseball, play lacrosse, or play a similar competitive sport they should consider a mouthguard. Generally, a good rule of thumb is to see what other athletes in that sport and competitive level are doing. This is the best way to prevent dental emergencies. Students that do not wear mouthguards are much more vulnerable to losing teeth, chipping/cracking a tooth, or having other dental issues caused by a collision.

How to Handle A Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies are not always preventable, especially if your son or daughter plays sports. That is why it is important to know what to do. In the event that a tooth is cracked or chipped, you should immediately make a dental appointment so that your child can get a dental crown. If your child has an adult or “permanent” tooth knocked out, they should go immediately to a dentist that provides emergency services. The tooth should be kept in a mix of water and salt. If you can get to a dentist within thirty minutes of the injury, it is possible to reposition the tooth. Otherwise, your son or daughter may end up needing a dental implant.

Contact All Pro Dental

If you have questions about child’s dentistry, please contact All Pro Dental through our online contact form. A member of our team would be happy to help answer your questions or help you set up an appointment.