As summer winds down and you’re busy checking off items on your back-to-school list—new sneakers, backpacks, school supplies—there’s one crucial item you might be overlooking. If your child participates in sports, adding a sports guard to your checklist could be one of the smartest decisions you make this year.
From protecting against dental emergencies to preserving your family’s budget, a properly fitted sports guard from our dentist in West Islip offers benefits that extend far beyond the playing field. Let’s explore five compelling reasons why every parent of a little athlete should prioritize this simple yet powerful piece of protective equipment from Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental.
1. Prevent Costly and Painful Dental Emergencies
Sports-related dental injuries happen more often than most parents realize. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), one study found that athletes are up to 93% less likely to suffer harm to their teeth and face when wearing a protective mouthguard. These injuries can range from chipped teeth to complete tooth loss, often requiring immediate emergency dental care.
Avoid Emergency Costs
Simple care for something like a mildly chipped tooth is still an expense, but more complex procedures like crowns or oral surgery can add up even more. It isn’t just the emergency expenses but also the follow-up and long-term maintenance.
Prevent Dental Anxiety
Beyond the financial impact, childhood dental trauma creates lasting effects. Children who experience tooth loss or damage often develop anxiety around dental visits and may feel self-conscious about their appearance during crucial developmental years. Dental anxiety can even have an impact on how well your child takes care of their oral health in the future.
We don’t want your little one to ever be afraid of our dentist in Islip, and if a sports guard could make the difference, it’s worth the investment.
Bypass the Need for Future Care
Even once restored after an emergency, teeth that have been treated will eventually need replacement restorations. Crowns and fillings are incredibly durable, but they don’t last a lifetime.
Some dental injuries could also result in the need for orthodontic care as your child grows. If their smile gets knocked out of alignment, our Massapequa dentist may need to correct it later.
2. Protect More Than Just Teeth
Many parents think sports guards only protect teeth, but these devices offer comprehensive oral protection. A quality sports guard shields your child’s entire mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheek lining, and jaw.
Lip and Tongue Injuries
When teeth bite down forcefully on soft tissue during impact, the resulting lacerations often require stitches and create painful healing periods. Sports guards create a smooth barrier that prevents teeth from cutting into delicate mouth tissue.
Jaw Injuries
A direct blow to the face can cause jaw fractures or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, leading to chronic pain and difficulty eating or speaking. Sports guards from our dentist in Massapequa help absorb shock and reduce the risk of jaw-related trauma.
Soft Tissue Injuries
The soft tissues inside your child’s mouth are delicate and heal slowly. Unlike a scraped knee that heals quickly, mouth injuries can interfere with eating, speaking, and sleeping for weeks. Prevention through proper protection makes far more sense than dealing with the aftermath of injury.
3. Boost Athletic Performance and Confidence
Contrary to what some young athletes believe, wearing a sports guard doesn’t hinder performance. Some studies show it could even enhance it. Mouthguard users might have better balance and posture, agility, and even vertical jumping ability.
Plus, when children feel protected, they play with greater confidence and focus on their technique rather than worrying about potential injuries. Children who feel secure are more likely to take appropriate risks in their sport, meaning they develop their skills and have more fun.
4. Custom Fit Means Maximum Comfort and Protection
While you can purchase generic sports guards at any sporting goods store, these one-size-fits-all solutions pale in comparison to custom-fitted guards created by our dentist in Islip. You and your little one will notice a difference in protection, comfort, and durability.
- Generic Mouthguards: These often feel bulky and uncomfortable, which could make your little athlete remove them during play or avoid wearing them altogether. They can also slip during activity.
- Custom Sports Guards: Created from precise impressions of your child’s mouth, the guard fits snugly over each tooth while following the natural contours of their gums. The result is a protective device that feels almost unnoticeable during wear.
At Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental, we also understand the unique needs of growing mouths. We can adjust the guard’s thickness in different areas based on your child’s specific sport and injury risk factors. For example, football players might need extra protection in certain areas compared to basketball players.
The superior materials used in custom guards also provide better durability. While store-bought options may need replacement every few months, professional-grade sports guards can last entire seasons or longer with proper care.
5. Establish Healthy Safety Habits Early
Teaching children to prioritize safety equipment from a young age creates lifelong habits that extend beyond sports. When kids understand the importance of protecting their bodies during physical activity, they’re more likely to make smart safety choices throughout their lives.
Sports guards from our dentist in Massapequa represent a simple introduction to the concept of preventive care. Just as we teach children to wear seatbelts in cars and helmets on bikes, using mouth protection during sports becomes second nature with consistent reinforcement.
Make the Right Choice with Our Massapequa Dentist
Your child’s smile is irreplaceable. By adding a sports guard to your back-to-school checklist, you’re taking a proactive step to preserve their oral health and overall well-being. Don’t wait until after an injury occurs. Make mouth protection a priority at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental before the first practice begins.
Book a visit with our dentist in Islip today to discuss custom sports guard options for your young athlete. Your future self—and your child’s smile—will thank you for taking this important protective step.