Children's Dental Health Month Tip #28: Have smart snacks in your home

Smart Snacks for Healthy Teeth
Getting your kids to eat fruit, veggies and yogurt instead of candy, chips and ice cream might feel like pulling teeth. But it's important to encourage them to eat "smart" snacks to help keep their smiles healthy and beautiful.

You can help your children have healthier teeth by loading your refrigerator and cupboards with nutritious foods. Then follow these tips whether you're transitioning your older kids to a healthier, balanced diet or just getting started with a little one.

Be a role model for your kids. Your kids mimic what you do, so it's crucial that you set the tone. Send the right message by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables instead of sugary snacks that can cause cavities. And be sure to practice good oral hygiene in front of your kids; if you brush and floss after meals and snacks, your kids will follow suit.

Get creative with snacks. Show your kids that healthy snacks are fun, too! Prepare tasty combinations that look and taste great, such as apple slices with peanut butter, fruit smoothies, meat and cheese rollups, and yogurt sprinkled with granola and bananas.

Involve your kids. When making your grocery list, ask your kids to brainstorm about what kinds of food they'd like to eat. This is a good opportunity to help them understand what's good for their teeth and what's not. Then go grocery shopping together and teach your kids how to read the Nutrition Facts label so that they can check the sugar content.

Prepare nutritious meals. Snacking smart is great for your teeth, but so is eating well-balanced lunches and dinners. Make sure to add fruits and vegetables to every meal so that your kids become accustomed to them.

Remember, your kids don't have to swear off sweets forever! They can still have healthy teeth even if they eat an ice-cream sundae or chocolate bar now and then -- just make sure that the bulk of the foods they eat are nutritious. Also remember to encourage your kids to brush and floss regularly, and be sure to make regular dental visits a fun and positive experience for them.

Don't Forget! If you eat sweets, eat them for dessert instead of munching on them throughout the day. And remember to brush and floss your teeth after every snack or meal!

http://www.1800dentist.com/school-age-kids-dentistry/20-smart-snacks-for-healthy-teeth

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #27: Know how to care for your family's toothbrushes

Replace!

Keep your equipment clean. Always rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing. Store your toothbrush in an upright position, if possible, and allow it to air dry until using it again. Don't routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers, which can encourage the growth of bacteria.

Know when to replace your toothbrush. Invest in a new toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric or battery-operated toothbrush every three to four months — or sooner if the bristles become frayed.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dental/DE00003

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #26: Know when to call your dentist

Call Your Dentist or Doctor Now (night or day) If:

• You think your child has a serious injury
• Permanent tooth knocked out (Reason: needs reimplantation ASAP; 2 hours is the deadline for tooth survival)
• Bleeding won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure
• Tooth is greatly pushed out of its normal position
• Tooth that's pushed out of its normal position interferes with normal bite
• Severe pain 

Call Your Dentist Within 24 Hours If:

• You think your child needs to be seen 
• Tooth is slightly pushed out of its normal position
• Can see a chip or fracture line (crack) in the tooth

Call Your Dentist During Weekday Office Hours If:

• Tooth sensitive to cold fluids
• Tooth becomes a darker color
• You have other questions or concerns

http://www.seattlechildrens.org/medical-conditions/symptom-index/tooth-injury/

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #25: Know how to talk to your children about their dental visits

Allow and encourage your child to discuss any fears he or she might have about oral health visits, but do not mention the words'hurt' or 'pain'. Saying "it won't hurt" instills the possibility of pain in the child's thought process.


http://www.adha.org/oralhealth/children.htm

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #24: Beware of sports drinks

Sports and energy drinks are becoming increasingly popular with kids, and dentists are becoming concerned about the lasting impact that this trend may have on oral health.

 

According to a study from the University of Iowa, sports drinks are even more corrosive to teeth than colas and energy drinks. Researchers found that the high sugar content and acids in sports drinks can damage tooth enamel and the roots of teeth.

 

In the study, teeth were continuously exposed to sports drinks, colas, diet colas, energy drinks and apple juice for over 25 hours. Sports drinks were found to be the most corrosive to both enamel and the roots of teeth. Cola and energy drinks were the next most corrosive, followed by diet cola and apple juice.

 

Sports Drinks Basics

• They're more corrosive than cola!  
• Drinking with a straw can help
• Best reserved for athletic hydration

http://www.1800dentist.com/dentistry-for-teens/sports-drinks-and-teens-teeth/

 

 

 

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #23: There is a wide range of "normal" when it comes to tooth loss! Don't worry.

While some parents worry their baby isn't getting teeth soon enough, others worry their child isn't losing them as quickly as he should. Typically, children begin losing their baby teeth by age 6 or 7, although again, there is a wide range of what's typical. Some children lose their first tooth by age 4.

Children generally lose all their baby teeth by age 13. If your child hasn't lost all her baby teeth by this age, consult your pediatrician. (Adult molars may take until the early 20s to fully erupt.)
Most children lose their center teeth first and there should be 32 teeth when all the permanent adult teeth erupt.


http://www.ehow.com/about_5345124_baby-teeth-late.html

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #22: Remember, even kids can suffer from periodontal disease

Many people think of periodontal disease as an adult problem. However, studies indicate that nearly all children and adolescents have gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease. Advanced forms of periodontal disease are more rare in children than adults, but can occur.

 

Types of periodontal diseases in children

- Chronic gingivitis is common in children. It usually causes gum tissue to swell, turn red and bleed easily. Gingivitis is both preventable and treatable with a regular routine of brushing, flossing and professional dental care. However, left untreated, it can eventually advance to more serious forms of periodontal disease.

 

- Aggressive periodontitis can affect young people who are otherwise healthy. Localized aggressive periodontitis is found in teenagers and young adults and mainly affects the first molars and incisors. It is characterized by the severe loss of alveolar bone, and ironically, patients generally form very little dental plaque or calculus.

 

- Generalized aggressive periodontitis may begin around puberty and involve the entire mouth. It is marked by inflammation of the gums and heavy accumulations of plaque and calculus. Eventually it can cause the teeth to become loose.

 

Periodontitis associated with systemic disease occurs in children and adolescents as it does in adults. Conditions that make children more susceptible to periodontal disease include:

 

• Type I diabetes
• Down syndrome
• Kindler syndrome
• Papillon-Lefevre syndrome

 

For example, in a survey of 263 Type I diabetics, 11 to 18 years of age, 10 percent had overt periodontitis.

 

http://www.perio.org/consumer/children.htm#1

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #21: Prepare your child for their dental visits

There are a number of excellent children's books on visiting the dentist. We can loan you a book if you would like a fun story to help prepare your kids for their dental visit. In addition, we offer free "Happy Visits" to help your child get used to the sights and sounds of a dental office. Here's a video with more great advice:

How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #20: Teach your kids proper brushing technique

How to Teach Kids to Brush their Teeth

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #19: Consider an evaluation by an orthodontist

When should your child get braces?

Although individual problems determine the ideal time to start orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child see an orthodontist by age 7. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if treated early rather than when jaw growth has slowed. The majority of 7-year-olds have a limited number of permanent front teeth as well as all four permanent first (six-year) molars.


An orthodontist can generally determine whether or not there will be adequate room for the remaining permanent teeth at this time. This determination is often aided by a panoramic X-ray. If the orthodontist determines that there will not be adequate room for the permanent teeth, early treatment can be initiated and may consist of appliances to expand the jaws or the early removal of deciduous teeth. This approach greatly increases the chance that the remaining permanent teeth erupt ideally aligned, thereby reducing the need for future orthodontic treatment or tooth extractions.

Your child can be evaluated in our Avon office by orthodontist, Dr. Jack Hilty:  http://www.hiltyortho.com/


http://www.dentistry.com/treatments/dental-braces/when-to-see-an-orthodontist

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #18: Use Only Water In Sippy Cups Or Increase Cavity Risk

To help parents reduce the risk of cavities in children, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry offers parents the following guidelines on using sippy cups properly:

•The sippy cup is a training tool to help children transition from a bottle to a cup. It shouldn’t be used for a long period of time - it’s not a bottle and it’s not a pacifier.

•Unless being used at mealtime, the sippy cup should only be filled with water. Frequent drinking of any other liquid, even if diluted, from a bottle or no-spill training cup should be avoided.

•Sippy cups should not be used at naptime or bedtime unless they only have water in them.

We hope Ben Affleck is reading this blog :)

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #17: Relieve teething discomfort

The discomfort of teeth coming into the mouth can cause your baby to become irritable. You can ease some of the discomfort by lightly rubbing the baby's gums with a clean finger or a wet, soft cloth. A cool teething ring can also help to soothe your baby's tender gums.

When the first teeth appear, begin using a children's soft-bristle toothbrush to clean them on a daily basis. Give your baby regular oral cleanings after each meal to make dental health care a habit.

http://www.crest.com/crest-kids/dental-hygiene-for-kids.aspx#babies-gums

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #16: Protect teeth with fluoride

Protecting Teeth with Fluoride

Your kids can strengthen their teeth and protect them from decay with fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and even repairs certain microscopic cavities. There are two ways to receive fluoride protection:

• Drink fluoridated water or take prescription tablets or liquid. Children who drink fluoridated water from birth typically have fewer cavities than those who don't.
• Use fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse at home and receive the fluoride treatment provided by the dentist at the scheduled time.

http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content2/news2/pru.teeth.html

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #15: How to treat a knocked-out tooth

5 Ways to Treat a Knocked-Out Tooth

1. Time is of the Essence

When a baby gets a tooth knocked out, it's best to leave it for the tooth fairy, since trying to put it back could damage the permanent tooth coming in behind it. However, knocking out a permanent tooth is a different matter. If properly seated back into the socket, even with blood vessel and nerve damage to the tooth, the tiny ligaments in the jaw can reattach to the root. If a dentist can get the tooth treated and re-implanted within 30 minutes of the injury, there is a good chance that he can save the tooth. Odds of saving the tooth drop considerably if it's not successfully seated back into the socket within 24 hours of the injury.


2. Don't Forget the Tooth

In your hurry to get to the dentist, don't forget to find the tooth. Handle it gently by the crown, and avoid touching the root. If it's extremely dirty you can gently rinse it in milk if you have some available. If you don't have any milk, don't try to clean it. Avoid wiping it, scrubbing it or disinfecting it, no matter how dirty it seems. The cells located at the root end are delicate, and you'll need them to be intact and alive for a successful re-implantation.


3. Keep it Moist

You must keep the tooth moist to prevent the root cells from drying out. You have several options for keeping the tooth moist. Put the tooth back into the socket, exactly as it was, having the injured person hold it in place with his tongue, or place the tooth in the person's mouth between the cheek and gum. This may be a problem for a younger child because of the choking hazard, in which case you can have the child spit in a cup and then place the tooth in the cup. You can also place the tooth in a cup of milk or even water if you have nothing else. The goal is to handle the tooth as little as possible and keep it moist until you can get to the dentist's office or emergency room.


4. Time Will Tell

After preparing the tooth for implantation, your dentist will stabilize it in the socket by splinting or bonding it to the adjacent teeth. It usually takes 7 to 10 days for the tooth to heal. Your dentist will continue to monitor the tooth, and if it darkens or shows an indication that it didn't reattach properly, she may decide to perform a root canal in order to save it.


5. Be Prepared

If you or your children are involved in sports or other outdoor activities, you may want to consider carrying a tooth-saving kit. You may be able to purchase one from your dentist. It contains a protective case and a special solution that nourishes and protects the tooth for up to 24 hours.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/11735-treat-knockedout-tooth/#ixzz1E2SALTS6

Children's Dental Health Month #14: Don't use fluoridated toothpaste if they can't spit it out

A:  "My 13-month-old baby does not like the taste of baby toothpaste. I have been brushing her teeth with a wet toothbrush without toothpaste so she will accept the toothbrush. Even then, it is sometimes a struggle. On the last visit, my pediatrician asked if we were using the baby toothpaste and said that we should be using it. I know that it doesn't have any fluoride - so is there any other benefit to it?"

Q:  Instead of struggling with the baby toothpaste, I would get a cute toothbrush with one of her favorite cartoon characters on it. Let her “play” with this toothbrush (no toothpaste) while she watches you brushing your teeth. Sing a song while you brush, and maybe she’ll follow along. Until she is ready for fluoride (usually age 2 to 3), using a dry brush is fine. This will help foster a fun relationship with the toothbrush, which will be very important when she is older and has a mouth full of teeth. Most of the local pediatric dentists that I talk to have recommended using toothpaste with fluoride as soon as your child is able to spit it out – and then only use a small “pea-sized” amount.

Dr. Jim

http://www.askdrsears.com/faq/az45.asp

Children's Dental Health Month #13: Let your kids pick out the supplies

Let your kids pick out the supplies. There are lots of fun character toothbrushes and toothpastes on the market. Escort your kids to the store, and have them pick out their favorite. They'll be much more excited over brushing their teeth if they're excited about their toothbrush and toothpaste.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2127308_kids-brush-their-teeth.html#ixzz1DrE2caOP

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #12: Monitor thumb, finger and pacifier habits

Q: Why do children suck on fingers, pacifiers or other objects?

A: This type of sucking is completely normal for babies and young children. It provides security. For young babies, it is a way to make contact with and learn about the world. In fact, babies begin to suck on their fingers or thumbs even before they are born.

Q: Are these habits bad for the teeth and jaws?

A: Most children stop sucking on thumbs, pacifiers or other objects on their own between 2 and 4 years of age. However, some children continue these habits over long periods of time. In these children, the upper front teeth may tip toward the lip or not come in properly. Frequent or intense habits over a prolonged period of time can affect the way the child’s teeth bite together, as well as the growth of the jaws and bones that support the teeth.

Q: When should I worry about a sucking habit?

A: Your pediatric dentist will carefully watch the way your child’s teeth erupt and jaws develop, keeping the sucking habit in mind at all times. Because persistent habits may cause long term problems, intervention may be recommended for children beyond 3 years of age.

Q: What can I do to stop my child's habit?

A: Most children stop sucking habits on their own, but some children need the help of their parents and their pediatric dentist. When your child is old enough to understand the possible results of a sucking habit, your pediatric dentist can encourage your child to stop, as well as talk about what happens to the teeth and jaws if your child does not stop. This advice, coupled with support from parents, helps most children quit. If this approach does not work, your pediatric dentist may recommend ways to change the behavior, including a mouth appliance that interferes with sucking habits.

Q: Are pacifiers a safer habit for the teeth than thumbs or fingers?

A: Thumb, finger and pacifier sucking affect the teeth and jaws in essentially the same way. However, a pacifier habit often is easier to break.

http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/tfphabits.asp

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #11: Be mindful of dental infections

Symptoms of Oral Infections in Children

If your child has one or more of these symptoms then there may be some form of infection present that will need to be treated by a dentist:

•Toothache -- number one sign that something is amiss
•Red swollen gums
•Throbbing/gnawing pain -- especially when chewing
•Swelling in the jaw or face
•Area is warm to the touch
•Foul taste in mouth
•Continual bad breath, even after brushing

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #10: Help them floss

Start flossing your child's teeth once a day as soon as two teeth emerge that touch.  Most children lack the coordination to brush or floss their teeth on their own until about the age of 6 or 7. Up until this time, remember that the best way to teach a child how to brush their teeth is to lead by example. Allowing your child to watch you brush your teeth teaches the importance of good oral hygiene

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/brushing-flossing-child-teeth

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #9: Choose an age specific toothbrush

Choose one specifically designed for children's smaller hands and mouths. Look for large handles that can help children control the toothbrush.  Sonicare for Kids are excellent toothbrushes that make brushing fun for kids. 

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #8: Be a role model

Probably the most important step is to practice what you preach. Most children learn by watching their parents. When you try to teach a child good behavior, incorporate these same principals into your own everyday actions. Words that conflict with your actions can be confusing to developing minds.  So, show your child what a great oral hygiene regimen looks like. 

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #7: Avoid baby bottle tooth decay

Never put a baby to bed with a bottle of any liquid other than water. Milk and juices have acids and sugar in them, and they can quickly rot a baby’s teeth if they are in contact with these liquids all night long. Water is safe.

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #6: Sing a song

Sing your child's favorite song, such as "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," for two minutes to encourage brushing for the dentist-recommended time. For older children, play a song from their favorite pop singer for two minutes.

Dr. Maloley discusses the VVP Business Success Awards

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #5: Limit Sweetened Drinks

Frequent consumption of beverages that contain sugar causes tooth decay. Soft drinks and other flavored drinks are common culprits, but milk and juice are also guilty. Constant beverage consumption, such as bringing a sippy-cup to bed or taking occasional sips of a drink throughout the day, results in the teeth being coated with sugar for long periods. This increases the bacteria growth and acid production that produce tooth decay. Your child can have these beverages at meals or snack time, but substitute water for the periods in between.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/206323-dental-tips-for-kids/#ixzz1D1SjiwHC

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #4: Get your child started early with visits to the dentist.

Your Child's Age 1 Dental Visit

A common question new parents have is "When should my child first see a dentist?"

The short answer is "First visit by first birthday," according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. America's pediatricians agree. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children who are at risk of early childhood cavities should visit a pediatric dentist by age 1. Although the idea of such early dental visits is still surprising to many new parents, the infant visit is endorsed by leading national public health groups.

More than 1 in 4 children in the United States have cavities by the time they are 4 years old, sometimes as early as age 2. To prevent early childhood cavities, parents first have to find out their child's risk of developing cavities, then learn how to manage diet, hygiene and fluoride to prevent problems before they start.

But cavities aren't all that parents need to learn about their child's dental health. The age 1 dental visit lets parents discuss:

• How to care for an infant’s or toddler's mouth
• Appropriate use of fluoride for your child
• Oral habits, including finger and thumb sucking
• Ways to prevent oral and facial accidents and trauma
• Teething and developmental milestones
• The relationship between diet and oral health

After this first visit, the dentist will suggest a schedule of follow-up visits. In the past, dentists typically recommended follow-up visits every six months. Now, dentists are increasingly tailoring children's visits to their individual needs and risks. As your child grows, the dental team can share information that will help you prevent common oral problems.

http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Information/OralHealthAtAnyAge/InfantsAndChildren/ToddlersChildren/YourChildsFirstDentalVisit.cvsp

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #3: Seal out decay.

Q: What are sealants?


Sealants protect the grooved and pitted surfaces of the teeth, especially the chewing surfaces of back teeth where most cavities in children are found. Made of clear or shaded plastic, sealants are applied to the teeth to help keep them cavity-free.
Q: How do sealants work?

Even if your child brushes and flosses carefully, it is difficult—sometimes impossible—to clean the tiny grooves and pits on certain teeth. Food and bacteria build up in these crevices, placing your child in danger of tooth decay. Sealants “seal out” food and plaque, thus reducing the risk of decay.

Q: How long do sealants last?

Research shows that sealants can last for many years if properly cared for. Therefore, your child will be protected throughout the most cavity-prone years. If your child has good oral hygiene and avoids biting hard objects, sealants will last longer. Your pediatric dentist will check the sealants during routine dental visits and recommend re-application or repair when necessary.

Q: What is the treatment like?

The application of a sealant is quick and comfortable. It takes only one visit. The tooth is first cleaned. It is then conditioned and dried. The sealant is then flowed onto the grooves of the tooth and allowed to harden or hardened with a special light. Your child will be able to eat right after the appointment.
Q: How much does it cost?

The treatment is very affordable, especially in view of the valuable decay protection it offers your child. Most dental insurance companies cover sealants. Some companies, however, have age and specific tooth limitations. Check with your benefits provider about your child’s coverage and talk to your pediatric dentist about the exact cost of sealants for your child.

Q: Which teeth should be sealed?

The natural flow of saliva usually keeps the smooth surfaces of teeth clean but does not wash out the grooves and fissures. So the teeth most at risk of decay—and therefore, most in need of sealants— are the six-year and twelve-year molars. Many times the permanent premolars and primary molars will also benefit from sealant coverage. Any tooth, however, with grooves or pits may benefit from the protection of sealants. Talk to your pediatric dentist, as each child’s situation is unique.

Q: If my child has sealants, are brushing and flossing still important?

Absolutely! Sealants are only one step in the plan to keep your child cavity-free for a lifetime. Brushing, flossing, balanced nutrition, limited snacking, and regular dental visits are still essential to a bright, healthy smile.

http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/sealants.asp

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #2: Remember, a child's dental care begins before birth

Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.

For a long time we've known that risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and drug use contribute to mothers having babies that are born prematurely at a low birth weight.

Now evidence is mounting that suggests a new risk factor – periodontal disease. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.

More research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease may affect pregnancy outcomes. It appears that periodontal disease triggers increased levels of biological fluids that induce labor. Furthermore, data suggests that women whose periodontal condition worsens during pregnancy have an even higher risk of having a premature baby.

All infections are cause for concern among pregnant women because they pose a risk to the health of the baby. The Academy recommends that women considering pregnancy have a periodontal evaluation

Also, A child's teeth form between the third and sixth month of pregnancy. An expectant mother must practice good health habits to ensure proper development of her unborn child's teeth.
 
http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.baby.htm

Children's Dental Health Month Tip #1: Have your kids wear mouthguards to protect against dental injuries and concussions

Athletic Mouthguards Protect Children Who Play Sports


Wouldn't it be great if mouthguards were all the rage this year? They'd be seen on all the runways, from skateboarding parks to organized team sports.

The ADA has assembled quite a list of sports for which mouthguards are recommended: acrobatics, bandy, baseball, basketball, bicycling, boxing, equestrian events, field events, field hockey, football, gymnastics, handball, ice hockey, in-line skating, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, rugby, shot putting, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving, soccer, softball, squash, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weight lifting and wrestling. In addition, boxing, football, ice hockey, men's lacrosse and women's field hockey actually require mouth protection according to their governing bodies.

There are two major goals in wearing a mouthguard for active play. One is to protect teeth against the impact of an object or body part. The second is to protect against concussions. A crushing blow from an elbow or implement transferred through the mandible and into the skull can cause severe damage, not just broken teeth but a concussion that can have long-lasting consequences.

Responsibility

Children, for the most part, follow the rules set out by sports organizations. They wear the gear set out by the regulations committee. If mouthguards are required and donned by all the other participants, they'll be worn. It's better if the sports committees make the rules than some outside "ruler" like insurance companies.

High school football, for instance, has strict penalties for players who do not wear their protective gear, including properly fitted mouth guards. Penalties such as loss of time-outs or worse are available for officials to use, yet they are hesitant to use those penalties. Officials that do not enforce these rules are sending the wrong message.

The decision to wear a mouthguard is made for children by their parents and the coaches, and enforced by officials in organized play. But what about unorganized play? Taking a second look at the list provided by the ADA we find that synchronized swimming is the only sport not on the list. Interestingly, age is not addressed.

Store-bought mouthguards are easy to chew through and they grow longer with chewing, causing an uncomfortable choking sensation. This acute sensation renders the wearer totally distracted by the gag reflex and ineffective on the playing field. In order to be worn, a mouth guard must be comfortable.

Properly fitted mouthguards are recommended for all activities that require gear. They come in fun colors, with team logos or animal designs. Parents that are active should be encouraged to wear mouth protection during their sporting activities. Parents are role models for their children and their children's friends. Wearing protective gear, from rain coats to mouthguards, is a marvelous, no-time commitment way to show kids that safety is all the rage.

http://www.dentistry.com/treatments/mouthguards/athletic-mouthguards-protect-children-who-play-sports