We have two very important questions. Do your kids play sports? Do they wear mouth guards? Kids, especially teenagers, often think mouth guards are not “cool” enough. With a distinct lack of understanding of consequences at this stage of development, it doesn’t occur to many kids looking “uncool” is a lot better than losing a tooth or three.
Here are some facts to be aware of when one may be forgoing a mouth guard. First off, the American Dental Association estimates that around 20 percent of all sports-related injuries are maxillofacial, or related to the mouth and teeth. There are roughly 20 million kids playing sports in the United States alone, that is around four million injuries a year! Summary: these injuries are not uncommon by any means.
Fracture, avulsions, and luxation are common problems kids experience during sports.
Mouth guards are the best way to help avoid sport-related injuries of this area. Not only that, they also can serve as a double purpose and assist with teeth grinding at night. Not all mouth guards offer all of these benefits. Custom mouth guards where dentists take actual molds of the mouth to fit the mouth guard prove to be most beneficial.
So, as adults, it is our job to convince kids to wear mouth guards and provide kids with mouth guards that actually work. Here are some simple and easy ways to persuade stubborn kids.
Cool Colors
Our mouth guards are offered in a variety of colors. For athletes, this means matching your mouth guard to your school colors! What could be cooler than that?
Show Pictures
If you don’t mind getting a little graphic, show kids pictures of teeth with fractures, avulsions, and luxation. Let them know what they’re getting into by not wearing a mouth guard!
Talk to the Coach
Coaches try to crack the whip on kids regarding their mouth guard use. If your child is particularly resistant to wearing a mouth guard, give the coach a call with permission to discuss the benefits of wearing them as well as the precautions of not.
Keep Track
Obviously in order to wear a piece of equipment, kids needs to have it with them. Make sure to keep track of when your kid leaves their mouth guard behind at home when they are at games, practices, etc. We offer a mouth guard case at no charge with the purchase of your mouth guard.
Come to the Games
Most parents like doing this anyway to cheer their kids on. While at the game keep an eye on whether little Johnny/Susy is wearing her mouth guard or not.
Take Action
The time to get a mouth guard is now! Visit Hudec Dental for a consultation and fitting. We also have our own lab with a quick turn-around time. We have the expertise to help your kids receive the best care possible. Our own, Dr. Vasquez, recently appeared on Fox 8’s New Day Cleveland where she discussed emergency dental and mouth guards. Call today at 216-325-9755!
