15
Nov
Illinois parents ask, “Are mouth guards really important for my child?”
As a parent, you have plenty to worry about when your child starts to play sports. Scrapes and bruises, practice times, scheduling family dinners around a busy schedule, and remembering when it’s your turn to bring the team snack are only a few of the items on your busy to-do list. With all the equipment to remember, practice car pool to drive, and laundry to wash, many parents ask their dentist if the suggested mouth guard is really necessary.
In a nutshell, yes. The mouth guard is important to children, older kids, and to adults playing sports. While it may feel awkward and uncomfortable at first, most athletes quickly get used to it. Further the benefits of wearing a mouth guard and the lower risk of injury to the mouth and teeth are critical to ensuring the health of your mouth.
What is a mouth guard, exactly?
A mouth guard is a dental appliance that is usually made of thin, comfortable plastic that is used to protect the mouth during sport activities.
What kinds of injuries do mouth guards help to prevent?
Most people think that mouth guards protect the teeth from being broken or knocked out. While that’s true, they also protect damage to the lips, cheek, and roots of the teeth. And they can help to prevent a jaw fracture and even a concussion.
Who should use a mouth guard?
Anyone playing a sport should consider using a mouth guard. Some sports such as football, hockey, and boxing require the use of mouth guard because they are considered collision sports. However, most dentists recommend that patients playing soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, basketball, baseball, and volleyball consider the use of a mouth guard as well. Players can’t anticipate when they may be hit in the face with a ball, or when they may come into contact with another player’s elbow, shoulder, or the ground. Preventing an oral injury is easier, and safer, than fixing one.
My child doesn’t like his mouth guard, what should I do?
While the mouth guard may feel awkward at first, the only real way to get past that feeling of discomfort is to keep wearing it. Like all oral appliances it will become more comfortable with time and practice. In fact, most players who wear a mouth guard barely notice them at all.
Dr. Dean Dietrich of Pleasant Dental® has been helping patients keep their mouths in top shape for many years. Conveniently located in Dolton, Illinois, Dr. Dietrich’s practice is a great resource for patients and parents of young patients to turn with questions about keeping their mouths healthy. For more information about mouth guards, call Dr. Dietrich today.
Dean Dietrich, DMD
Dr. Dean Dietrich has been practicing dentistry since 1986, when he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Southern Illinois University's School of Dental Medicine. He had completed his undergraduate studies in business marketing and management at Michigan State University from 1978 to 1982.He opened Pleasant Dental in 2003 to provide excellent dental care and value for his patients. He is especially skilled and experienced with root canals, implants, and handling dental anxiety.
Dr. Dietrich is a member of the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, and the Indian Dental Association. He is licensed in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan and has orthodontic certification from the Academy of GP Orthodontics. Multiple agencies have recognized him annually as one of America’s Top Dentists.
Dr. Winnie Wilson
Dr. Winnie Wilson is a dedicated dentist with a rich background in general dentistry, particularly passionate about treating children. After completing her dentistry education in India, she earned her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Gupta is committed to building meaningful relationships with families through exceptional care at Pleasant Dental. Her approach emphasizes trust and quality service. Outside the clinic, she enjoys biking, hiking, and exploring Chicago's diverse culinary scene, embodying a well-rounded and trustworthy professional dedicated to her patients' well-being.
