Mouthguards & Sportsguards – Hillsboro, OR

There are many ways you can prevent dental emergencies, whether it’s through daily at-home oral care or routine visits to our office. However, those who participate in contact sports have to take their protection a step further, especially if their sport involves high amounts of impact. At Dentists at Orenco for Kids, we work hard to create custom-made mouthguards and sportsguards for those who need protection from bad falls and tackles the most. To learn how your child can benefit from their use, keep reading or schedule an appointment for your child today!

Why Your Active Child Needs a Mouthguard

It’s common for coaches and certain sports leagues to require the use of mouthguards before your child can participate. However, this is not always the case, which means you’ll need to take the initiative to protect your child’s mouth while they play their favorite sport. Keep in mind that it doesn’t only protect your child’s teeth while they play. It also protects their gums, tongue, lips, and teeth that are not covered by a mouthguard.

What’s even more startling is how much higher the risk for injury is without a mouthguard. According to the American Dental Association, athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to sustain damage to their teeth.

How to Get the Best Fitting Mouthguard

It doesn’t matter if your child is in high school or in the youngest leagues operating right now, they can sustain oral injuries just as easily. Currently, there are many types of mouthguards to choose from, all of which have their own pros and cons. For example, there are stock mouthguards which are reduced in size in order to accommodate smaller mouths. However, this can negatively affect their ability to protect your child’s teeth. Additionally, boil-and-bite types offer the ability to customize your child’s mouthguard. Unfortunately, they tend to not be very comfortable, resulting in compliance issues.

The most effective solution for protecting your child’s mouth is, by far, getting them a custom-made mouthguard made by a professional. Not only do they offer superior comfort for your child’s mouth, but they also protect their teeth in the most comprehensive way possible. If your child has metal braces, a protruding jaw, or other restorations, we can easily accommodate these additions. That cannot be said for mass-produced varieties you find in sporting goods stores.

Keeping Your Child’s Mouthguard in One Piece

If you choose a custom mouthguard to protect your child’s smile, the best way to make it last is to keep the appliance out of direct sunlight. Avoid putting it in hot water or on hot surfaces as well. Heat can permanently transform the shape of the mouthguard, compromising the fit and ability to protect your child’s teeth. If you notice significant damage, bring it back to our office right away so we can make repairs.