When engaging in recreational or sports activities that have the potential to cause injury, children need to wear mouth guards, also referred to as sports guards or athletic mouth protectors. These crucial pieces of equipment fit snugly over the upper teeth, safeguarding the entire oral region from traumatic injury and preserving both the appearance and the health of the smile. Mouth guards are also used to prevent tooth damage in children who grind their teeth (brux) at night.
The majority of sports organizations now require participants to wear mouthguards regularly. Although mouthguards primarily safeguard teeth, they can also significantly reduce the amount of force transmitted from an impact point (jaw) to the central nervous system (base of the brain). In doing so, mouthguards help decrease the risk of traumatic brain injury, which is especially crucial for younger children.
Moreover, mouthguards can reduce the likelihood of the following injuries:
- Cheek Lesions
- Concussions
- Gum And Soft Tissue Injuries
- Jawbone Fractures
- Lip Lesions
- Neck Injuries
- Tongue Lesions
- Tooth Fractures
