Sports Dentistry

Every child playing sports is at risk for injury during practice and competition. Thousands of oral injuries could be prevented if children and teens wore mouthguards.  Dr. James Orbon and Dr. David Maddox support the use of protective equipment during practice and competition. The pediatric dentists at Affiliated Dental Specialists want your children to be safe at all times by wearing a fitted sports mouthguard.

When should my child wear a sports mouthguard?
A sports mouthguard should be worn whenever playing sports. If your child is playing one of these sports, please contact our Vernon Hills office or our Gurnee office for an appointment.

Here are some examples of sports that should be included:

• Baseball
• Football
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Handball
• Wrestling
• Skating
• Skiing
• Hockey
• Boxing
• Kick Boxing
• Marshall Arts
• Gymnastics
• Skateboarding
• Fencing
• Bicycling
• Volleyball

How do mouthguards prevent injury?
Wearing a sports mouthguard can prevent injury to the teeth, the jaw and the soft tissue. Mouthguards are designed to help cushion the mouth, teeth and jaws preventing serious damage. If your child is wearing braces and playing a sport, using a custom fit mouthguard will help protect the tissues inside the mouth from the metal or clear braces in the event of an injury.
 

What are the different types of mouthguards?
There are three categories of mouthguards. Custom made mouthguards fabricated specifically for your child will provide to best protection! Contact us to discuss your options with the pediatric dentists at Affiliated Dental Specialists.
• Custom Made Mouthguards
• Mouth-Formed Mouthguards
• Ready-Made Stock Mouthguards
 

What can I do to make a mouthguard last?
After each use, wash the mouthguard with soap and water, toothpaste and toothbrush or mouthwash. Thereafter, let the mouthguard “air dry” before storing it in a hard plastic container. Bring your mouthguard to your next dental check-up so one of our pediatric dentists can check the fit.

Adolescents and teens can outgrow their mouthguard in a single season!