Mouth Guards for Kids: Protecting Little Smiles During Sports
Kids are active, curious, and sometimes fearless, which makes dental injuries a real risk. The best defense against tooth trauma during sports and rough play is a custom-fitted mouth guard.
At Coastal Pediatric Dentistry in Bolivia, NC, we design mouth guards that are comfortable, durable, and made just for your child. These protect little smiles, whether your child is in soccer, gymnastics, biking, skateboarding, or just playing tag in the yard.
Protecting teeth isn’t just about avoiding pain; it also prevents costly dental repair, orthodontic setbacks, and long-term damage.
Why Kids Need Mouth Guards
Mouth guards act as a cushion between teeth and external impact, reducing the risk of:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Cuts to lips, cheeks, or tongue
- Jaw injuries
- Damage to braces or dental appliances
The American Dental Association recommends mouth guards for any activity with potential impact or falls, contact sports, gymnastics, skating, and more.
Benefits of a Custom Mouth Guard vs. Store-Bought
While “boil and bite” guards are available at stores, they cannot match a professionally customized mouth guard. Advantages include:
- Individually molded to your child’s teeth for maximum protection
- Comfortable fit encourages consistent use
- Durable design for a full sports season or longer
- A better fit allows proper breathing and speech
Custom guards are an investment in both safety and confidence, giving kids freedom to play hard while staying protected.
How We Create a Custom Mouth Guard
- Impression: We take a gentle mold or digital scan of your child’s teeth using safe, kid-friendly materials.
- Fabrication: A strong, flexible material is crafted in a dental lab for a precise fit.
- Fitting: During the follow-up visit, we adjust the guard to ensure comfort and full coverage.
Your child leaves with a durable mouth guard that can fit perfectly and protect them fully during activity.
Caring for Your Child’s Mouth Guard
Proper maintenance ensures longevity and effectiveness:
- Rinse after each use
- Clean with a toothbrush and mild soap
- Store in a ventilated case
- Avoid heat sources that warp the guard
- Bring it to dental appointments for inspection
Teaching children to care for their guard promotes responsibility and ensures consistent protection.
Fun Ways to Encourage Kids to Wear Mouth Guards
Some children resist wearing protective gear. Try:
- Letting them pick a case color or design
- Framing it as part of their “athlete uniform.”
- Rewarding consistent use with stickers or small incentives
- Educating them about famous athletes who always wear mouth guards
When mouth guards are fun, kids wear them without complaint.
Extra Safety Tips for Active Kids
- Encourage helmets, wrist guards, and knee pads for high-impact activities
- Check the gear regularly for cracks or wear
- Remind kids to remove guards during water play to prevent damage
- Teach safe play techniques to reduce collisions and falls
Protect Their Smile with Confidence
A custom mouth guard is a small investment that delivers big protection. It prevents painful injuries, costly dental repairs, and lost playtime.
By equipping your child with a properly fitted mouth guard, you give them the confidence to play, explore, and enjoy every activity safely.
Schedule an appointment today or visit our FAQ page to learn more about protecting your child’s smile.
Dental protection today builds healthy smiles and confidence for years to come.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
