Mouth guards for children can help protect growing smiles during sports, nighttime grinding, and certain dental concerns. Many children remain active in contact sports, playground activities, and recreational programs, which increase the risk of dental injuries. In contrast, others may clench or grind their teeth during sleep, placing pressure on the teeth and jaw. Sitting with our dentist can help you understand how we craft custom mouth guards to provide personalized protection for your child.
Custom mouth guards for children are oral appliances designed to fit a child's teeth and mouth. We take impressions or digital scans of the teeth and use them to create a guard that fits more closely than a store-bought option. This custom design helps the guard stay in place during activity or sleep.
Children may need mouth guards for several reasons, with sports-related protection being among the most common uses, especially in football, basketball, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, and other activities with a high risk of contact. We may also recommend mouth guards for children who grind their teeth, clench their jaw, or need protection after certain dental treatments.
One of the biggest benefits of custom mouth guards for children is the fit. Since we use dental impressions and scans to craft the guard, it fits the child's teeth better. In the end, a better fit can make the guard feel more comfortable and less bulky, increasing the likelihood that they will wear it when they should. In contrast, a loose or awkward guard may cause gagging, slipping, or difficulty speaking.
Custom mouth guards for children can provide stronger protection than many over-the-counter (OTC) options. They help cushion the teeth, lips, cheeks, tongue, and jaw during impact and reduce the risk of chipped teeth, knocked-out soft-tissue injuries, and jaw strain. Additionally, a custom guard allows the dentist to consider the child's bite, tooth spacing, dental development, and any orthodontic appliances.
Some OTC mouth guards feel bulky because they are designed to fit a wide range of mouth shapes. This can make breathing and speaking more difficult during sports. A custom mouth guard, on the other hand, often offers a slimmer, more precise design, allowing for better breathing and speaking, and may also help children feel more comfortable using the guard during practices and games.
Some children grind or clench their teeth at night, a habit known as bruxism that can cause tooth wear, jaw soreness, headaches, and tooth sensitivity. A custom night guard for children may help protect the teeth from repeated pressure while sleeping. Our dentist can check for signs of grinding and decide whether a custom guard is appropriate. Note that not every child who grinds needs a mouth guard, especially if the habit is mild or temporary.
Custom mouth guards for children usually cost more than boil-and-bite, store-bought guards. However, the higher cost reflects the dental visit, impressions or scans, materials, and lab work needed to create the appliance. For some families, this may feel like a larger upfront investment, but the cost should be weighed against the level of protection required.
Children's mouths change as they grow, with baby teeth falling out, permanent teeth erupting, and the jaw continuing to develop. Because of these changes, a custom mouth guard for children may need to be replaced sooner than an adult appliance. This is because a mouth guard that once fits well may become tight, loose, or uncomfortable as the child grows. To help combat this, we recommend maintaining regular dental visits, which allow the dentist to check the fit and recommend updates when needed.
Custom mouth guards need proper care to stay clean and effective. Children should rinse the guard after use and store it in a ventilated case. Further, the guard should not be left in a hot car, placed in direct sunlight, or stored loosely in a sports bag because heat and pressure can damage the shape. As an added measure, parents may need to help younger children build these habits.
Mouth guards for children can provide strong protection, improved comfort, and a better fit than many store-bought options. Custom guards may be especially helpful for young athletes, children with braces, or children who grind their teeth at night. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call our office.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
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