Sports Dentistry

Your child’s smile is important! That is why we recommend custom mouth guards for our patients who are active in sports. Although not all sports require mouth guard Dr. West recommends them for patients who participate in baseball, basketball, boxing, football, lacrosse, roller skating, rugby, soccer, volleyball, wrestling, martial arts, mountain biking, skating and many other activities. For more information, please contact our office at (713) 464-1651.

Mouth Guards

Pediatric Dentist - Mouth Guards When a child begins to participate in recreational activities and organized sports, injuries can occur. A properly fitted mouth guard, or mouth protector, is an important piece of athletic gear that can help protect your child’ s smile, and should be used during any activity that could result in a blow to the face or mouth.

Mouth guards help to prevent broken teeth; and injuries to the lip, tongue, face or jaw. Mouth guards may also reduce the chance of a concussion in certain circumstances. A properly fitted mouth guard will stay in place while your child is wearing it, making it easy for them to talk and breathe.

Ask Dr. West about custom and store-bought mouth protectors.

Beware of Sports Drinks

Sports Drinks Due to the high sugar content and acids in sports drinks, they have erosive potential and the ability to dissolve even fluoride-rich enamel, which can lead to cavities.

To minimize dental problems, children should avoid sports drinks and hydrate with water before, during, and after sports. Be sure to talk to Dr. West about using sports drinks.

If sports drinks are consumed:

Reduce the frequency and contact time.
Swallow immediately and do not swish them around the mouth.
Neutralize the effect of sports drinks by alternating sips of water with the drink.
Rinse mouth guards only in water.
Seek out dentally friendly sports drinks.