Using mouthguards and sports guards might not feel like the most glamorous practice. But even less appealing are the results of injuries or accidents when you do not wear one. Not all sports require a mouthguard, but many absolutely do. So should kids wear a mouthguard for soccer?
Should Kids Wear a Mouthguard for Soccer?
The general consensus is that, yes, you should have your kids wear a mouthguard for soccer. Without one, every collision runs the risk of lasting dental issues. From knocked-out teeth to biting their tongue, these injuries come in many shapes.
Importance of a Mouthguard for Soccer
A mouthguard goes over the upper and lower rows of teeth. Ideally, it should be custom made for your kid’s bite. Otherwise, it could fit improperly and not provide sufficient protection. The right mouthguard will protect against dental and soft tissue injuries that can occur due to:
- Accidental collisions
- Falls
- Flying elbows
- Impact of the ball to the face
- And more
True, soccer is not a full-contact sport like football. However, collisions happen multiple times every game. All it takes is for one of those to cause a notable injury. Soccer in particular places kids at high risk for facial and dental trauma. As such, mouthguards are recommended by organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA) to reduce the severity of injuries.
How Wearing a Mouthguard for Soccer Helps
Protection from Impact
A mouthguard protects more than your kid’s teeth. It also offers coverage against injuries to the gums, lips, and tongue. This single dental appliance protects against chips, breaks, and a range of other oral injuries.
Risk Reduction
No amount of protection offers a guaranteed way to avoid injury. But every level of protection further reduces that risk. Kids already wear shinguards for soccer, and many boys wear cups for added protection. But many parents overlook the teeth. Adding a mouthguard into the lineup gives your child that extra level of protection.
Cushioning Impact
A mouthguard offers that extra bit of cushion for any impact to the face. Soccer is filled with flying elbows, flailing hands, and shoes with spikes. That you can also use your head to field the ball introduces additional routine impact. Kids are not known for their amazing control of their bodies. What might be intended as a header can quickly shift into fielding the ball directly with their face.
Added Protection for Specific Cases
If your kid has braces, then they have an added reason to wear a mouthguard. Impacts to teeth with braces present additional risk for harming the mouth’s soft tissues. Your kid might not be happy about it, but their safety should come first.
What Matters for a Mouthguard for Soccer
Proper Fit
A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work with mouthguards. You need a custom-made appliance that forms to your kid’s unique jaw shape and teeth alignment.
Quality Material
A mouthguard that cannot stand up to strain will not offer great protection. Custom-made sports guards from a dentist are made from lab-quality materials designed to last.
Proper Use
Improperly wearing a mouthguard will cut down on its function. When you buy one from a store, you miss out on expert instruction for its use. With every custom-made mouthguard, your dentist will walk both you and your kid through its proper use, storage, and maintenance. Also, ask any questions (and get pro tips).
Custom Mouthguards for Sports
At Samaritan Dental Arts, our dentist provides custom mouthguard fabrication for patients of all ages. Set up a visit, get an exam, and be one step closer to protecting your kid’s teeth for life.
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