Does My Child Need a Mouth Guard for Sports?

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Mouth guards help protect teeth during high-impact sports activities. If your child needs a mouth guard, the dentist in Onalaska, WI can help. At Valley Dental, we provide mouth guards to help your child take care of their teeth and avoid dental injury. Does your child participate in athletics? Here’s what they need to know about mouth guards.

What Is a Mouth Guard?

A mouth guard is a layer of plastic that fits over your child’s teeth to protect them from impacts. Mouth guards can be customized to the individual or can be purchased from pharmacies in sizes intended to fit a range of children.

Which Sports Require Kids to Have Mouth Guards?

Children who participate in contact and collision sports need mouth guards. Some examples of the types of sports that require mouth guards include:

  • Hockey
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Wrestling
  • Water polo
  • Boxing

Mouth guards can also be helpful in limited contact sports like skiing and skateboarding. For some of these sports, mouth guards are required. Find out from your child’s coach or sports team whether they are required to have a mouth guard for their participation.

Why Get a Mouth Guard From Your Child’s Dentist?

Although mouth guards are available in non-custom sizes, it’s best to get your child a customized mouth guard if possible. Custom-made mouth guards are designed to fit your child perfectly. Custom mouth guards can be more comfortable, so your child is more likely to use their mouth guard when it’s needed.

Does your child need a mouth guard in Onalaska, WI? If so, contact the dental professionals at Valley Dental. Call today to make an appointment.

Does My Child Need Dental Sealants? 

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Kids have a hard time brushing their teeth properly and eat sugary foods. This can lead to cavities and, if not treated, can even cause dental infection. If your child has experienced cavities, dental sealants may be able to help them take care of their teeth. Your dentist in Onalaska, WI, can help you decide if dental sealants are right for your child.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a plastic coating that your child’s dentist will paint over your child’s molars. Once cured, dental sealants form a shield that can protect your child’s tooth enamel. Children with dental sealants are less likely to get cavities. Dental sealants last for years and can protect your child’s teeth for a long time.

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

To apply dental sealants, the dentist will clean and dry your child’s teeth, then paint an etching material on the enamel. The etching material prepares your child’s teeth to bond with the dental sealant. After the teeth have been cleaned and dried again, the dentist will apply the dental sealant. The sealant is cured with a light, and the process is over.

Can My Child Benefit from Dental Sealants?

Children who get dental sealants are at lower risk of cavities. Your child’s dentist can help you decide if dental sealants would be appropriate for your child. Your child’s dentist may bring up dental sealants during your child’s dental appointment. If they don’t, feel free to ask. The professionals at Valley Dental are here to help. For more information about dental sealants in Onalaska, WI, call today.