Basketball is exciting, fast-paced, and although it’s not technically a contact sport, the game can be fairly dangerous. Children playing basketball are especially vulnerable to injuries since they may not have the motor skills to avoid accidents that could result in twisted ankles, broken bones, and chipped teeth. Making sure your kid has an effective mouthguard can prevent a variety of injuries and avoid expensive trips to the dentist office.

Because basketball moves so quickly and involves a lot of jumping, players are constantly at risk of running into one another and falling to the floor. Even falling just a few feet can knock out teeth and cause painful cracks that could require extensive surgery to repair.

Even if their teeth survive, a sudden impact may cause children to bite their teeth or gums, and kids with braces could seriously damage their orthodontic fixtures. Fortunately, most of these injuries can be avoided by making sure your kids have a good sports mouthguard every time they’re on the court.

Some children resist using mouthguards, claiming that they’re uncomfortable and make it difficult to focus. However, there are a variety of high-quality products on the market today designed to be comfortably worn for hours.

These devices cover the teeth and gums, providing a powerful layer of protection, and keep the teeth separated so you don’t have to worry about injuries to the soft tissue of the mouth. Many dentist offices provide mouthguards to young athletes or will recommend a high-quality product that will protect their smile while they enjoy the game.

Lowitz & Meier is Cincinnati’s premier dentist office, providing a friendly, compassionate atmosphere where the art and science of a beautiful smile come together. Whether your teeth have suffered an injury, or you just need a checkup, you can rely on this office for the best treatment possible. See an overview of their services on their website or Facebook now, or call (513) 521-8900 today to make your first appointment with the area’s favorite dentist.