You’ve probably heard your dentist say “don’t forget to use a mouthguard!” a million times. While you may have heard that using these protective devices is important, you might be wondering why they’re so important and how they work. We’ve collected a few tips on the topic, and are excited to share them with you. Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker and associates has specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. The pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults, including being an Invisalign preferred provider. The ability to treat all special needs patients reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy. Valued hospital affiliations allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John’s Hospital Macomb when needed. Our specialists are also on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.

1. Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic
Specialists of Michigan
Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Mouthguard Tips

2. Don’t forget your mouthguard!
You’ve probably heard your
dentist say “don’t forget to
use a mouthguard!” a million
times. While you may have
heard that using these
protective devices is
important, you might be
wondering why they’re so
important and how they
work. We’ve collected a few
tips on the topic, and are
excited to share them with
you.

3. Helmets and Overbites
 For any activity requiring a helmet, consider adding a
mouthguard. If you or your child is at any risk of colliding
with another person or a hard surface, a mouthguard may
add to their level of facial protection. Sports like hockey,
basketball, and football are particularly threatening sports
in terms of level of dental danger.
 Children with large overbites (with protruding teeth) are at
increased risk for dental injuries while playing sports. It is
particularly important to outfit children with overbites with
mouthguards (or fix the problem with orthodontic
treatment when a child’s growth allows for proper
correction) so that they lessen the chances of becoming
injured.

4. Comfort and Collisions
 When it comes to styles/types, go with what is comfortable
as long as it fits well. Mouthguards that fit poorly may
make breathing or communicating with teammates difficult.
This increases the odds of athletes taking them out, which
defeats the purpose.
 If your child plays a sport that allows or requires the use of a
helmet, it is an error to assume that a mouthguard is not
necessary. A major cause of concussions is the collision of
upper and lower teeth after sports collisions. The
mouthguard is a shock absorber and is very effective at
limiting the effect of such collisions.

5. A Great Investment
Dr. AJ states that “there is strong research to show protrusion
of teeth is a major risk for tooth injury. We like all children over
age 7 to see the orthodontist to screen for problems like this
so we can hopefully address them before an injury occurs.
Once there is an injury to a tooth, a lifetime of maintenance
and dental work always follows. Prevention is always in the
best interest of the patient.”
If you have any additional questions on the use of
mouthguards, please feel free to reach out to any of our
knowledgeable staff members. Our orthodontists can make
custom mouthguards for patients that play heavy contact
sports and this is a great investment after orthodontic
treatment is complete.

6. If you have any questions regarding cavities or any other dental
concerns, please feel free to reach out to any member of the team at
Pediatric Dental and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan.
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices
of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker and
associates has specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since
1968. Our family-friendly office gives patients and families a more
comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very
beginning. The pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18
years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and
adults, including being an Invisalign preferred provider. The ability to
treat all special needs patients reaches beyond our facility, which has
treatment rooms available for children who require additional
privacy. Valued hospital affiliations allow dental services to be
performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John’s Hospital
Macomb when needed. Our specialists are also on staff at Henry
Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
About Us

7. Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic
Specialists of Michigan
Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
39400 Garfield Rd., Suite 200
Clinton Township, MI 48038
586-286-0700
www.mychildsteeth.com