For many families, summer means sports. From baseball tournaments, to soccer and basketball camps and hours with friends on athletic fields, kids’ activity ramps up with the temperature.
Generally, the focus is (rightly) on hydration, equipment, and physical wellbeing. Unfortunately, sometimes dental protection gets overlooked. This is a matter that deserves attention, however, as sports-related dental injuries can happen any time, pose serious health risks, and require extensive treatment to repair.
Investing in Kids’ Smile Protection
Dental injuries are among the most common facial injuries in youth athletics. A stray elbow, collision, or fall can lead to chipped teeth, fractures, or knocked-out teeth. This is why we recommend families with active youngsters use custom mouthguards in West Chester, OH, for vital protection.
Store-bought mouthguards provide basic protection, but they often fit poorly, making them uncomfortable to wear consistently. A professionally made mouthguard is designed around the athlete's exact bite, providing a more secure fit and improved protection.
Why Custom Mouthguards Perform Better
Parents often ask whether custom mouthguards are worth the investment. The answer is a compelling “yes.”
Because they fit precisely, they are often more comfortable, easier to speak with, and less likely to shift during activity. This reduces the likelihood of serious oral injuries like broken or lost teeth, each of which come with additional cost and inconvenience, often with physical pain. Additionally, a properly fitted mouthguard can help distribute impact forces more effectively than generic alternatives, reducing the risk of dental and possibly even head trauma, allowing athletes to focus on performance over uncomfortable equipment and injury concerns.
What Should You Do If a Tooth Gets Knocked Out?
If a permanent tooth is knocked out during a game, time matters, as does thoughtful, decisive action:
- When the injury occurs, carefully pick the tooth up by the crown; avoid touching the root.
- Have your child rinse gently with warm water to clean the area.
- Try to place the tooth back into the empty socket. If that’s not possible, store it in milk to prevent drying.
- Seek emergency dental care immediately.
Prompt treatment (within an hour or so) significantly improves the chances of saving the natural tooth via implantation.
Preparing Summer Sports in West Chester, OH
If your family is gearing up for the summer athletic season and you’d like to learn more about the protective value of custom mouthguards in West Chester, OH, contact Dr. Joel Koch and our caring and experienced team to schedule a consultation.