Custom Mouthguard
Leesburg, VA
When it comes to sports and play, children love to jump, run, and explore. But with all that activity comes the risk of accidents and injuries, especially to their precious smiles. That’s why we create mouthguards for our rambunctious little patients. They are small but mighty protectors that shield teeth from harm.
With these devices, we can keep smiles shining bright. Children’s mouthguards may be small, but they play a big role in protecting smiles and preventing injuries. At SmileCity Pediatric Dentistry, our team commits to protecting your child’s smile with a mouthguard custom-fit for their teeth. We provide custom mouthguards to children as a pediatric dental service.
Why Do Children Need Mouthguards?
Mouthguards are protective devices worn over the teeth and gums to help prevent injuries to the mouth, teeth, and jaw. They typically cover the upper teeth. Mouthguards come in various shapes, sizes, and materials to suit different needs and preferences.
Children are full of energy and enthusiasm. However, they’re also prone to accidents and injuries, especially in sports and physical activities. Luckily, mouthguards can prevent a lot of damage that kids can encounter.
Mouthguards act as a cushion, absorbing the impact of blows or collisions that could otherwise cause chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth. In addition to protecting teeth, mouthguards also help prevent injuries to the lips, cheeks, tongue, and gums by covering and cushioning the soft tissues of the mouth.
Furthermore, mouthguards can help reduce the risk of concussions. Mouthguards provide some protection against impacts to the jaw, which can transmit force to the brain.
Mouthguards can help children feel more confident and comfortable while participating in sports and physical activities by providing a sense of safety and security.
Types of Mouthguards for Children
There are several types of mouthguards available for children, including:
Stock Mouthguards: These are pre-made, one-size-fits-all mouthguards that you can purchase at sporting goods stores or pharmacies. While affordable and convenient, stock mouthguards may not provide the best fit or protection.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: These mouthguards are made from material that softens in hot water. After heating, the child bites into the mouthguard to create a customized fit. Boil-and-bite mouthguards offer better fit and protection than stock mouthguards and are available at most sporting goods stores.
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards: A dentist creates custom-fitted mouthguards based on impressions of the child’s teeth. These mouthguards offer the best fit, comfort, and protection. However, they are more expensive than stock or boil-and-bite options.
Encouraging Mouthguard Use
If kids have never worn a mouthguard before, they may be hesitant. As a parent or caregiver, you can encourage your child to wear a mouthguard. You can wear a mouthguard yourself during sports or physical activities to set a positive example for your child. Kids are much more likely to mimic their parents.
You can also discuss how important it is to wear a mouthguard and how they can help protect your child’s smile and prevent injuries. Reinforce safety during sports and play and explain how wearing a mouthguard is part of staying safe and healthy.
Finally, let your child choose their mouthguard in their favorite color or design to make wearing it more enjoyable. If they make it their own, they are more likely to keep wearing their mouthguard.
