Children, Teen Athletes, and Dental Protection
(PART 1)
Young athletes deserve special attention when it comes to dental protection.
Children are still developing coordination, spatial awareness, and the reflexes needed to protect themselves during falls or collisions.
Their jaws and teeth are also in transitional stages, which creates unique vulnerabilities.
Children playing sports tend to take more tumbles and experience more accidental contact than adult athletes.
The presence of both primary and permanent teeth creates additional complexity. Injuries to baby teeth can affect the developing permanent teeth beneath the gums, potentially causing long-term problems that do not become apparent until years later.
As children grow, their jaws change shape and teeth shift position.
A mouthguard that fits well at the beginning of a season may no longer fit properly after a growth spurt.
Regular fit checks are essential, and parents should watch for signs that a guard has become loose or uncomfortable.
Children who complain about their mouthguard often have one that no longer fits correctly.
Establishing mouthguard use as a normal part of sports participation helps children view it as essential rather than optional.
Just as helmets and pads are accepted as standard equipment, mouthguards should be introduced early and worn consistently.
Children can begin using mouthguards as soon as they participate in sports with contact or fall risk.
Dental professionals can fit mouthguards for children as young as six or seven.
Early adoption teaches children to value their oral health and builds habits that protect their smiles for life.
How do we respond to dental injuries? This is our topic next week. (To be continued)