Is your child susceptible to oral or dental injuries due to sports? Or do they grind their teeth while their sleeping? Whatever the problem 
may be, your pediatric dentist in Weston, FL, can help with mouthguards.
Mouthguards:
Mouthguards are worn over teeth to protect them from trauma. They are supposed to be worn over upper teeth, but, depending on your doctor's recommendation, you may need to have your child wear it on the upper and lower teeth.
Introducing your child to a mouthguard, especially if they are athletes, should be another part of their routine. Along with their sports gear and equipment, their mouthguard should be placed on the checklist.
What does a mouthguard do?
Mouthguards act as a buffer between your child's teeth and any trauma that can be caused by a football, hockey puck, basketball, and more. If your child refuses to wear a mouthguard, or you don't teach them mouthguards are an important habit, then they may suffer from:
- Broken teeth
- Cuts to their lips and/ or tongue
- Damage to their jaws and/or face
Mouthguards can even lower the chances of your child suffering from a concussion.
What types of mouthguards are there?
Your Weston doctor provides different types of mouthguards. It's important to know the types before visiting your dentist so that you may have a list of questions prepared when meeting them.
- Readymade, also known as the stock, mouthguard: These are inexpensive mouthguards, but are also bulky and difficult to fit.
- Mouth-formed, or boil-and-bite, mouthguard: This mouthguard is made of thermoplastic material that is softened when placed in hot water, and conveniently takes the shape of teeth.
- Custom mouthguard: This mouthguard is custom-made in a laboratory to fit your child's mouth and teeth comfortably.
Whatever your choice may be, choose a mouthguard that is durable, is comfortable, fits easily, cleans easily, and doesn't prevent breathing or hinder speech.
Mouthguards should also be taken care of properly, so make sure you or your dentist teaches your child how to take proper care of your teeth. Your doctor may suggest rinsing the mouthguard before or after each use, cleaning the mouthguard with soapy water, placing the mouthguard in a container, avoid leaving the mouthguard in very hot places and replace mouthguards when necessary.
If you have any questions or concerns about mouthguards, don't hesitate to contact your pediatric dentist in Weston, FL.