Does Your Child Athlete Need a Mouthguard?
Youth sports are a great way for children to stay active, build confidence, and learn teamwork. However, with all that activity comes the risk of injury, especially to the teeth and mouth. One simple, effective way to protect young athletes is with a properly fitted mouthguard at Harriman Family Dental. Here’s why mouthguards are so important and how they help keep kids safe on the field, court, or rink.
What Is a Mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a protective device worn over the teeth to reduce the risk of injury during sports. They’re typically made of durable, flexible materials that absorb impact. While some parents may think mouthguards are only necessary for high-contact sports like football or hockey, they’re recommended for many activities, including basketball, soccer, gymnastics, and even skateboarding.
Protection Against Dental Injuries
Children’s teeth and jaws are still developing, which makes them especially vulnerable to damage. A sudden fall, collision, or stray ball can lead to chipped, broken, or even knocked-out teeth. Mouthguards act as a cushion, absorbing and dispersing the force of an impact. This significantly reduces the likelihood of serious dental injuries that may require costly, time-consuming treatment.
Reducing Risk of Soft Tissue Injuries
In addition to protecting teeth, mouthguards help prevent injuries to the lips, cheeks, and tongue. Without a mouthguard, a blow to the face can cause teeth to cut into these soft tissues, leading to painful lacerations. A mouthguard creates a barrier that minimizes this risk, keeping your child more comfortable and safer during play.
Lowering the Chance of Jaw Injuries
A strong impact on the jaw can result in fractures or joint injuries. Mouthguards help stabilize the jaw and provide a layer of shock absorption, which can reduce the severity of these injuries. While they can’t prevent every accident, they play an important role in minimizing damage.
Supporting Overall Safety and Confidence
When children feel protected, they’re more likely to play confidently and focus on enjoying their sport. Wearing a mouthguard can give both kids and parents peace of mind, knowing there’s an added layer of protection.
Choosing the Right Mouthguard
There are several types of mouthguards available, including stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-fitted options. While store-bought versions are convenient, a custom mouthguard from your dentist offers the best fit, comfort, and protection. It stays securely in place, allows for easier breathing and speaking, and is tailored to your child’s unique smile.
Encouraging Healthy Habits Early
Introducing mouthguards at a young age helps children develop good safety habits that can last a lifetime. Just as wearing a helmet or pads should be routine, using a mouthguard should be too.
Protecting your child’s smile is just as important as supporting their athletic goals. If your child participates in sports, talk to our team about getting a custom mouthguard. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in keeping their smile healthy and bright.
Invisalign® Best Practices for a Smooth Smile Journey
Choosing Invisalign aligners at Harriman Family Dental is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile. These clear, removable trays offer a discreet and convenient alternative to traditional braces. But like any orthodontic treatment, success depends on how well you follow recommended guidelines. Here’s how to get the most out of your Invisalign treatment and keep your progress on track.
Wear Your Aligners as Directed
Consistency is key. For Invisalign to work effectively, aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. That means only removing them for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing. It may be tempting to leave them out for special occasions, but extended breaks can delay progress and even cause discomfort during reinsertion. If you forget to wear them for several hours, put them back in as soon as possible and contact your dental office if you’re unsure how it may affect your treatment timeline.
Remove Aligners When Eating or Drinking
Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything besides plain water. Food and beverages can stain the clear plastic, making them more noticeable. Hot drinks can even warp the material, affecting the fit. After eating, brush your teeth, then put your aligners back in. If brushing isn’t possible, rinse your mouth and the aligners with water to reduce the risk of food particles and bacteria becoming trapped between your teeth.
Keep Your Aligners Clean
Clean aligners are essential for both oral health and appearance. Rinse them every time you remove them, and gently brush them with a soft toothbrush at least once daily. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and cause tiny scratches that make aligners look cloudy. Instead, use clear, mild antibacterial soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals (if recommended by our team). Always rinse thoroughly before placing them back in your mouth.
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Because aligners fit snugly over your teeth, any plaque or food debris left behind can become trapped, increasing the risk of cavities and gum irritation. Brush at least twice daily and floss once a day—preferably after every meal. Keeping up with your regular dental cleanings and checkups during treatment is also important. Professional monitoring ensures your teeth and gums stay healthy while your smile transforms.
Follow Your Aligner Schedule
Most patients switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks, depending on their customized treatment plan. Always follow the schedule provided by your dental team and wear each set for the full recommended time, even if the aligners start to feel loose. If an aligner feels extremely tight or uncomfortable beyond the first few days, or if one becomes lost or damaged, contact us promptly for guidance.
Store Aligners Safely
When not in use, keep your aligners in their protective case. Wrapping them in a napkin can easily lead to accidental disposal, and leaving them exposed increases the risk of damage or contamination.
A Smile Worth the Commitment
Invisalign treatment offers flexibility and comfort, but your dedication is key to achieving beautiful results. By wearing your aligners consistently, caring for them properly, and maintaining excellent oral hygiene, you’ll be well on your way to the confident smile you deserve.
If you have questions about your Invisalign journey, our team is always here to help. We’re committed to supporting you every step of the way!
LANAP Laser Treatment for Advanced Gum Disease Relief Care
LANAP® (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) at Harriman Dental is an advanced, FDA-cleared treatment for gum disease that uses laser technology to remove diseased tissue without needing scalpels or sutures. Unlike traditional gum surgery, LANAP® is minimally invasive, resulting in less discomfort and faster healing. This procedure is performed by a trained dentist or periodontist and is designed to target only infected tissue while preserving healthy gum and bone structure.
How Does LANAP® Work?
During LANAP®, a specialized PerioLase® laser gently accesses the infected pockets around teeth. The laser selectively removes bacteria and diseased tissue without harming healthy areas. Next, the dentist uses ultrasonic instruments to clean the root surfaces of the teeth, removing plaque and tartar. Finally, the laser helps seal the pocket and promotes regeneration of the bone and tissue, encouraging natural healing and reattachment of the gums.
Benefits of LANAP® for Treating Gum Disease
- Minimally Invasive: No cutting or stitches, leading to less pain and swelling.
- Faster Healing: Encourages tissue regeneration and quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery.
- Bone Regrowth: Stimulates natural bone regeneration around teeth, helping stabilize them.
- Reduced Sensitivity: Patients typically experience minimal post-treatment discomfort.
- Preserves Teeth: Helps save natural teeth that might otherwise be lost to advanced gum disease.
- Convenient: Often completed in fewer visits, with less downtime.
Who is a Good Candidate?
LANAP® is ideal for patients with moderate to severe gum disease who want a less invasive treatment option. It’s also an excellent choice for those who are anxious about traditional surgery or have medical conditions that make healing more complicated. Candidates include patients with bleeding gums, gum recession, loose teeth, or persistent gum infections. A comprehensive evaluation by a periodontist will determine if LANAP® is right for you.
LANAP® offers a modern, patient-friendly approach to treating gum disease. It helps you preserve your natural smile while restoring gum health with minimal discomfort and downtime. For more information on LANAP® or if you think you may be experiencing symptoms of gum disease, contact our team today!
