For most parents, watching their child play sports is a very emotional experience. Firstly, it’s exciting to see your little one be active and have fun, but it’s also a bit nerve-wracking, as every parent inherently worries about their child’s safety. Sports-related dental injuries are extremely common for children, and while a bruised lip or broken tooth is certainly a big problem, it can quickly become much more complicated if your child has braces. Thankfully, these kinds of issues can mostly be avoided by wearing a sportsguard…but does your child really need one? And if they do, how can you get one that will fit over their orthodontics?
If Your Child Plays These Sports, They Definitely Need a Sportsguard…
Needless to say, a sportsguard is absolutely necessary if your child participates in contact sports, such as:
- Football
- Wrestling
- Boxing
- Karate
- Taekwondo
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
Non-Contact Sports That Require a Sportsguard
Even though these sports don’t involve player contact, there is the potential for accidents, either from players running into one another or equipment flying around:
- Basketball
- Baseball/softball
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Tennis
How to Get the Right Sportsguard for Your Child
These days, it’s easier than ever to get a sportsguard for your child—there is a nearly limitless variety available on store shelves and online. However, generic sportsguards tend to not be designed to fit over orthodontics, meaning they’re likely uncomfortable and not very useful for children with braces.
Instead, it’s better to have a custom-guard created by your child’s dentist so it will have a more comfortable fit while offering premier protection for their lips, teeth, gums, and braces. A custom-guard allows a child to speak and breathe normally while playing, meaning they quickly forget they’re even wearing one. It will not only keep your child safe, but they will also be more likely to use their guard rather than “forget it” in their bag or locker.
As a parent, you already have enough to worry about. The right sportsguard for your child can help them stay in the game and avoid a potentially painful (and expensive) injury at the same time, so it’s worth talking to your child’s dentist about having one made. This way, you can feel at ease while cheering on from the sidelines.
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Shirck is a summa cum laude graduate of The Ohio State University who has been named as one of Columbus’ Top Orthodontists every year since 2011. As a sports fan and father of three boys, he is a huge proponent of athlete safety at all levels of play. So, if you have a child with braces who loves to hit the field, mat, or court, he’d be more than happy to help them get a custom-made sportsguard. For questions, click here to get in touch with our team.