Kids'Mouthguards

Kids
Mouthguards
If your child plays sports or participates in any high-impact activities, it’s critical that he or she wears a mouthguard while playing! 
If there is any chance that your child may experience an impact, collision or injury, he or she should wear a protective mouthguard.

What is the purpose of a mouthguard?

Mouthguards serve as a protective barrier between an object of impact (whether it’s a football, soccer ball, basketball, hockey puck, or another player’s body part) and the child’s mouth. 

Teeth are relatively delicate! The mouth can be easily injured during sports that require running, jumping or swift movement. Not only do most youth sports players run the risk of a ball or object flying toward their face at high speeds, but they can collide with other players and come in contact with a hard elbow, another player’s head, a hand, a leg—anything really.

This is why mouthguards are so critical. They can make the difference between broken teeth, punctured gums, lacerations to the mouth—and a beautiful, healthy smile. 

Mouthguards also protect other players from your child’s body parts. If your child’s teeth come in contact with another player’s head, this can do some serious damage.  A child’s mouthguard provides a necessary barrier to prevent injury or damage to the mouth.

Types of Mouthguards for Kids

There are a few main types of mouthguards for children, including boil-and-bite mouthguards, custom-fitted mouthguards and stock mouthguards.

Stock Mouthguards

A stock mouthguard is a one-size-fits-all mouthguard that is relatively easy to put in place and remove as needed. Although, stock mouthguards are generally bulkier than other mouthguards and are the least protective type of mouthguard.

Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

Boil-and-bite mouthguards can be molded to fit your child’s teeth. These ones are made of thermoplastic material that softens when it’s warmed with lukewarm water. You can help your child to bite into the boil-and-bite mouthguard once it’s warm, and it’ll shape itself to fit his or her teeth.

Custom-Fitted Mouthguards

Custom-fitted mouthguards are the most comfortable mouthguards, as they’re custom-designed specifically for your child. Although the most expensive option, custom-fitted mouthguards fit the most comfortably and provide the most protection for kids’ mouths.

When you and your child visit us, please let us know that your child plays sports and is in need of a mouthguard. Mouthguards are the best preventative measure against potentially serious injuries! We’ll help you make the best decision for your child’s smile.

Have questions about mouthguards for kids?

We’re here to answer your questions, and we want you and your child to know your options! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time. 

Dr. Sierra, Dr. Kwon, Dr. Patel and our team are here to help guide you and your child. We offer kinder, gentler dentistry for kids and teens. It is our goal that your child develops and maintains a positive association with dental care and we do everything we can to create a pleasant, supportive, and fun environment for our little patients.

Ready to schedule an appointment? Let’s get started. Visit us in Town & Country, South Tampa, North Tampa or Bradenton!