Youth sports can build confidence, teach teamwork, and keep kids active and healthy. However, along with these benefits comes the risk of dental injuries, which happen more often than you may realize. Fortunately, a custom mouthguard can protect your child’s smile, prevent serious injuries, and last through every season while they enjoy the sports they love.
If your child plays basketball, soccer, baseball, or any contact sport in New York, our team at SmileWorks can create a custom mouthguard designed just for them. Unlike store-bought options, custom mouthguards fit properly and offer superior protection for growing teeth and jaws. With our high-quality services and commitment to your child’s comfort and safety, you can enjoy watching your child play without worrying about their smile.
Why Get a Custom Mouthguard for Your Child Athlete?
Sports-related dental injuries happen often, with 52% of 11-13-year-olds suffering oral injuries while playing. They can range from chipped teeth to knocked-out teeth, broken jaws, and soft tissue damage. These injuries are painful, expensive to fix, and may require years of dental treatment. A properly fitted mouthguard acts as a shock absorber, protecting teeth, gums, lips, and the jaw from impact during play.
Store-bought mouthguards might seem convenient, but they rarely fit well. They can be uncomfortable, make it hard to breathe or speak, and often fall out during activity. When kids find mouthguards uncomfortable, they’re less likely to wear them, which defeats the purpose entirely. Custom mouthguards solve these problems by offering the following benefits:
Better Protection for Growing Smiles
Custom mouthguards provide coverage tailored to your child’s unique dental structure. Kids and teens are still growing, and their teeth shift, especially if they have braces or clear aligners. We design your child’s custom mouthguard to accommodate braces, retainers, or natural tooth movement, offering protection without interfering with treatment.
Generic mouthguards simply can’t match this level of customization. They might leave gaps where teeth are vulnerable or put pressure on areas that need to stay protected. Custom options are made from impressions of your child’s mouth, creating a precise fit that moves with them and stays in place during even the most intense games. This personalized approach means better shock absorption and more comprehensive coverage.
Comfort That Encourages Consistent Use
If a mouthguard is uncomfortable, your child won’t want to wear it. We create our custom mouthguards with comfort in mind, using materials that feel natural in the mouth. They don’t require constant adjustment, won’t trigger a gag reflex, and allow for normal breathing and speaking.
When kids can talk to their teammates, call out plays, and breathe easily during physical activity, they’re more likely to keep their mouthguard in throughout practice and games. Consistent use means consistent protection, reducing the chance of a preventable dental emergency that could sideline your child.
Prevents Serious Injuries Beyond Teeth
While protecting teeth is the primary function of a mouthguard, the benefits extend to other areas of the mouth and head. A well-fitted custom mouthguard can help reduce the risk of jaw injuries, concussions, and neck injuries by cushioning blows to the jaw and face. The shock-absorbing properties of quality mouthguards distribute the force of impact, potentially minimizing trauma to the temporomandibular joint and surrounding structures.
This level of protection becomes even more important as children progress to higher levels of competition where the intensity and force of contact increase. Whether your child plays recreational league sports or competes at a more advanced level, a custom mouthguard provides reliable protection that adapts to their specific needs.
Durability and Long-Term Value
Custom mouthguards are built to last longer than drugstore alternatives. We use high-quality materials that resist wear and tear from regular use. While they cost more upfront, they may save you money over time by eliminating the need for frequent replacements and, more importantly, by preventing costly dental repairs from sports injuries.
As your child grows, their mouth changes, and their mouthguard should change with them. We can create new custom mouthguards as needed to accommodate growth spurts, new teeth, or changes in dental alignment. Regular check-ins help make sure the fit remains protective and comfortable season after season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Mouthguards for Kids and Teens in Sports
At what age should my child start wearing a mouthguard for sports?
Most dentists recommend a mouthguard as soon as a child begins playing any contact or collision sport, which can be as early as recreational youth leagues. Because children’s mouths are still developing, it’s a good idea to have the fit reassessed at the start of each new season.
Can my child wear a custom mouthguard with braces?
Yes. Custom mouthguards for young athletes with braces are designed with extra room to protect both the teeth and the orthodontic appliance from impact, without interfering with the progress of treatment.
How long does it take to get a custom mouthguard made?
After a 3D scan or impression of your child’s mouth is taken, a custom mouthguard is typically fabricated and ready for pickup within one to two weeks, though timing can vary by dental office.
How often does a growing child need a new mouthguard?
Because children’s jaws and teeth change quickly, it’s generally a good idea to have a custom mouthguard reevaluated each season, or sooner if there’s a noticeable change in bite, orthodontic treatment, or fit.
Which youth sports call for a mouthguard?
Any sport with a risk of falls or collisions can benefit from mouthguard use, including football, hockey, basketball, soccer, baseball, wrestling, and gymnastics. Many leagues require mouthguards for contact sports, and dentists recommend them broadly for extra protection.
Protect Your Child’s Smile With a Custom Mouthguard at SmileWorks
Sports should be fun, not stressful. Protecting your child’s teeth with a custom mouthguard gives you peace of mind while they play the games they love. At SmileWorks in Midtown East, our award-winning dental team uses state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology to create mouthguards that fit perfectly and protect effectively. We’re a one-stop shop for the whole family, with both pediatric dentistry and orthodontic services available under one roof.
Don’t wait until an injury happens to think about protection. Custom mouthguards are a simple, effective way to keep your young athlete safe on the field, court, or rink. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get your child fitted for a custom mouthguard before their next game.