Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Zarmin Lalani

Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry
10710 Eldorado Parkway, Suite 140
Frisco, TX 75035
Phone: 469-365-5437
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Mouth Guards for Dental Protection

Mouth guards for dental protection are an integral piece of equipment to keep children safe from dental injury during sports or other recreational activities. Sports-related injuries constitute up to 39% of all dental trauma in children, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Reports show that athletes are 60% more likely to suffer a dental injury when not utilizing a mouth guard. With proper protective gear, the rate of occurrence and severity of dental injuries can be greatly reduced. Fitting for a custom mouth guard is one of the dental services Dr. Lalani provides at Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Frisco.

Mouth guards for dental protectionMouth guards can help reduce dental injury by:

  • Cushioning blows to the face
  • Lowering probability of broken, chipped, or knocked out teeth (avulsion)
  • Minimizing injuries to lips, tongue, and jaw
  • Protecting soft tissues of the cheek lining

Who Should Use a Mouth Guard?

Mouth guards are recommended for any child who plays contact sports, however, many non-contact sports have potential for dental injury, as well.

Mouth guards can be a beneficial protective measure for:

  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Baseball/softball
  • Hockey
  • Wrestling
  • Lacrosse
  • Skateboarding
  • Gymnastics

The most common teeth that are injured in children are the upper (maxillary) front teeth. For this reason, children with an excessive overjet (upper top teeth that lean or tilt outward) are at higher risk for sports-related dental injuries.

Dental injuries in children can cause significant pain, as well as involve a great deal of inconvenience and money. It is common for dental trauma in children to require urgent care, especially in cases of tooth avulsion where the tooth is completely knocked out. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, long-term treatment for a permanent tooth avulsion can range from $5,000 – $20,000.

Numerous dental appointments over the course of dental trauma treatment can require school absences for students and missed work for parents. Taking the precaution to wear a mouth guard for sports can save your family much time and money while avoiding the pain and inconvenience involved with a dental injury.

Types of Mouth Guards for Sports

There are several types of mouth guards for sports available. Mouth guards need to fit properly in the mouth in order to be comfortable and work effectively.

The AAPD states that mouth guards should:

  • Absorb and dissipate impact energy
  • Protect teeth from fractures, avulsions, and luxation (tooth displacement)
  • Protect lips and mouth tissues from lacerations and bruising
  • Support the open space of the mouth (edentulous space)
  • Protect the jaw from dislocations and fractures

It may be helpful to keep these characteristics in mind when choosing an appropriate mouth guard for your child.

Types of mouth guards include:

  • Types of Mouth Guards for Dental ProtectionStock mouth guards: These ready-made mouth guards are the least expensive option available. Because they are pre-formed, stock mouth guards are often ill-fitting, which can feel bulky and less comfortable to the wearer. Some athletes report difficulty speaking and/or breathing while wearing this type of mouth guard. Stock mouth guards typically provide less protection than other types of mouth guards because of their poor fit and the reluctance of children to wear them due to discomfort.
  • Boil-and-bite mouth guards: These moldable mouth guards are widely available at most sporting goods stores and even some drugstores. By softening these mouth guards in boiling water, they can be molded to the shape of the wearer’s mouth and teeth by biting down. This creates a more fitted option which is more comfortable and provides better protection than stock mouth guards. Be sure to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance if you are purchasing a boil-and-bite mouth guard.
  • Custom-made mouth guards: Your pediatric dentist can create a custom-fitted mouth guard made specifically for your child. These mouth guards are typically more expensive due to the state-of-the-art technique and expertise required to design each individualized mouth guard. They provide significantly more protection and comfort than other mouth guards due to their customized fit. And your child can choose the color!

When choosing a mouth guard for your child, be sure to purchase one that:

  • Offers superior protection
  • Fits properly
  • Is comfortable
  • Is tear-resistant and resilient
  • Does not restrict breathing or talking
  • Is easy to keep clean

Caring for Your Mouth Guard

Caring for your mouth guard will involve keeping it as clean as possible.

Mouth guard care tips include:

  • Rinse your mouth guard in cold water, a mouth rinse, or brush it with mild soap and a toothbrush before and after each use.
  • Store and transport your mouth guard in a sturdy container that allows air circulation to prevent bacteria growth. Acrylic mouth guards should be stored in fresh, clean water.
  • Do not leave your mouth guard in the sun or in hot water for extended periods of time, as its shape could become distorted.
  • Regularly check your mouth guard for wear-and-tear. If holes or tears occur, or if your mouth guard begins to become loose, you should replace it.
  • Bring your mouth guard to every regularly scheduled dental visit for examination.
  • Keep your mouth guard away from pets who may damage it.

If your child plays sports or exhibits the common signs of bruxism, it’s important to bring them to our dentist to be fitted for a custom mouth guard. Please contact Dr. Zarmin Lalani and her team at Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry Frisco, Texas, by completing an online appointment request or phone 469-365-5437.

Online Appointment Request for Frisco pediatric dentist

Patient and Parent Testimonials

Testimonials are very important to us at Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry  We want to thank you, our valued patient, for taking the time to write a review for our team. We genuinely care about your experience, so please take a moment to review us.

Patient and Parent Testimonials

We absolutely LOVE Dr. Z! We have been seeing her for about 7 years and have always been impressed by the extra special love, attention, and care that she gives to each of her patients. She is so awesome with the kids and she always has the extra time to talk to you and answer your questions. You never feel rushed and she has the ability to really put you and your children at ease. Her new office is beautiful and bright and Ms. Tori and Ms. Susan are absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry!!! Facebook 5 Star review – Stephanie N. reviewed Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry — 5 star, January 30, 2017

I absolutely love Dr. Z and the staff at Discovery Kids. They were all so welcoming. Everyone made sure that the kids felt comfortable and had a pleasant experience. The office is very clean, well organized, and accommodating for families. I cannot say enough good things about the staff! Facebook 5 Star Review Jamie H. reviewed Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry — 5 star, January 24, 2017

Read more of our testimonials.

Testimonials

Testimonials

Please Review Us on Google!   Your Testimonials Are Important  To Us Testimonials are very important to us at Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry.  We want to thank you, our valued patient, for taking the time to write a review for our team. We genuinely care about your experience, so … Mom Approved

Dental Services for Children

Dental Services for Children

Dr. Zarmin Lalani and her team at Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Frisco, Texas, offers comprehensive dental services for children in Frisco, McKinney and the surrounding metroplex. Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry puts an … Dental Services

Dental Topics

Dental Topics

Dr. Zarmin Lalani and her team at Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Frisco, Texas, provides comprehensive dental topics for parents to help with with educating their children. Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry puts an emphasis on … Dental Topics ini Kids

Blog
2019 New year, New you!

2019 New year, New you!

December 28, 2018 By Tori

2019 New year, New you! New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthy Smile With the new year approaching, you may have already begun to think about your … [Read More...]

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM DR Z. & TEAM!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM DR Z. & TEAM!

October 30, 2018 By Tori

Halloween is here which means bags of free candy and a chance to stock up on sweets for the winter. However, Halloween can also present parents with a … [Read More...]

Dr. Lalani is a 2018 “Mom-Approved” Dentists by DFW Child Magazine

Dr. Lalani is a 2018 “Mom-Approved” Dentists by DFW Child Magazine

September 26, 2018 By Tori

Dr. Zarmin Lalani is honored to be recognized as a “Mom-Approved” Dentists by DFW Child Magazine! WHAT IS A MOM-APPROVED DOCTOR? A Mom-Approved … [Read More...]

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Who We Are

Zarmin Lalani, DDS, MS
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist serving infants, children and teens in the areas of Frisco, Prosper, McKinney and Celina.

Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry
10710 Eldorado Parkway, Suite 140
Frisco, TX 75035

 469-365-5437

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