If your young athlete is gearing up for football season, make sure that a well-fitting mouthguard is on your equipment list. As the levels of participation in youth and adolescent sports rise, so does the incidence of injuries. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), 10-20% of youth sports-related injuries are maxillofacial, or facial trauma. Dental injuries are the most frequent facial injury sustained while playing sports. Often this type of trauma results in permanent damage to oral structures, requiring medical intervention. Types of Dental Injuries Occurring in SportsThere are 3 types of dental injuries:- Fracture including a root fracture or a chipped or broken tooth. - Avulsion occurs when the entire tooth and root is knocked out. - Luxation injury is where the tooth is in the socket but in the wrong position. Each of these situations requires immediate dental care – even if it means leaving the game! Call ahead and transport your child to a dentist as soon as possible. Reduce the Risk of Sports Dental Injuries With MouthguardsA properly-fitted custom mouthguard can prevent dental injuries and even may reduce the rate of concussion. Football is not the only sport in which a mouthguard should be worn. The ADA recommends wearing custom mouthguards for many sports including:- Field hockey- Ice hockey- Martial artsMouthguards should be worn during all practices as well as games and competitions. Styles vary in comfort and price but a quality mouthguard should be comfortable, resilient, easily cleaned and resistant to tearing. Make sure that your child’s mouthguard fits properly and does not restrict breathing or speech. Damaged teeth don’t grow back! Do all you can to protect your child’s smile with a mouthguard. Let Us Know If You Have Questions on Any Aspect of Oral Health CareDr. Lorraine Burio of Candlewood Dental Care has been treating and educating patients for over twenty-five years. Our office serves the New Fairfield, New Milford, Danbury, and Sherman areas of CT and Pawling, Patterson and Putnam Lake of New York. You can call us at 203-746-1200 or make an appointment here.