Whether your child is scoring goals on the soccer field, making plays on the basketball court, or swinging for the fences in baseball, youth sports offer incredible benefits for physical fitness, teamwork, and confidence building. However, with all that athletic action comes the risk of dental injuries that can turn a fun game into an emergency dental visit.
At Breez Dental, our Surprise, AZ, emergency dentist has seen too many young athletes arrive at our office with chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth that could have been prevented with a simple sports guard. The good news? With the right approach, you can make wearing a sports guard feel less like a chore and more like part of your child’s winning game plan.
Emphasize the “Cool Factor” (but Be Cool About It)
Help your child see their sports guard as professional athletic equipment, just like their cleats or gloves. Point out that their favorite professional athletes wear mouthguards, too. Many NBA players, NFL stars, and Olympic athletes rely on custom mouthguards to protect their smiles and their careers.
Just don’t lay it on too thick. Kids can spot when you’re trying too hard to make something seem cool. Point out mouthguards when you’re watching games together, on memorabilia your child owns, or when the topic comes up organically.
Let Them Choose Their Style
One of the biggest game-changers is allowing children to personalize their sports guards. Ask about getting your child’s custom sports guard in various colors and patterns. They might want their team colors, their favorite bright neon shade, or even a fun design that reflects their personality.
When children feel ownership over their sports guard design, they’re much more likely to wear it consistently.
Use Relatable Comparisons
Compare a sports guard to other protective gear they already understand and accept. Explain that just like a helmet protects their head and knee pads protect their knees, a sports guard protects their teeth and mouth.
Bonus Fact from Our Surprise, AZ, Emergency Dentist
One study reported by the American Dental Association (ADA) found that athletes who use sports guards are up to 93% less likely to experience dental and facial injuries. It’s clear that this form of protective gear makes a difference!
Make It Part of Their Routine
Help your child develop a pre-game routine that includes putting in their sports guard. Just like tying shoes or putting on shin guards, wearing a mouthguard should become an automatic part of getting ready to play.
Create a checklist with your child that includes their sports guard alongside other essential gear. This reinforces that the mouthguard isn’t optional; it’s a crucial piece of equipment for safe play.
Focus on Performance Benefits
Many children don’t realize that sports guards can potentially improve their athletic performance. When athletes clench their jaw during intense moments, it can create tension throughout their bodies. A properly fitted sports guard can reduce neck and jaw muscle fatigue.
Bonus Fact from Our Surprise, AZ, Emergency Dentist
Some research connects mouthguard use to better balance, postural control, spinal alignment, and even jump height.
Address Their Concerns Honestly
Listen to your child’s specific worries about wearing a sports guard. Common concerns include:
- “It feels weird in my mouth.” Acknowledge that there’s an adjustment period, but emphasize that a properly fitted guard becomes comfortable quickly. Compare it to getting used to new shoes or breaking in a baseball glove.
- “My friends will think it looks stupid.” Remind them that many of their teammates probably wear sports guards too, and that looking “tough” means taking smart precautions to stay in the game.
- “It makes it hard to talk or breathe.” This usually indicates a poor fit. Talk to our team at Breez Dental if you’re concerned about difficulties during activities. A mouthguard should allow normal breathing and clear communication with teammates.
Talk About the Why
There’s a reason one of the first words that kids learn is “why.” They want to understand the world. Even if your child is in middle school or high school, they’ll still respond better when they understand why something matters.
Contact sports and even non-contact ones can cause issues like:
- Lost Teeth
- Cracked Teeth
- Gum Injuries
- Infections
All of these could land your athlete in our office for an appointment with our Surprise, AZ, emergency dentist.
However, this doesn’t mean to use scare tactics. We want sports and activities to be joyful and freeing, which is why we focus on education and information to empower your child to wear their sports guard.
Lead by Example
If you participate in sports or recreational activities that could benefit from mouth protection, consider wearing a sports guard yourself. Children are more likely to embrace protective equipment when they see the adults in their lives taking similar precautions.
Team Up with Our Surprise, AZ, Emergency Dentist
Avoid surprise emergencies with the help of our Surprise dentist. If you want to explore how to encourage your child to wear a sports guard, talk to us today to get tips on how to fit this step into their back-to-school schedule and overall oral health routine. Schedule your little athlete’s check-in today!