What Is A Children's Mouth Guard?
If your child plays sports such as soccer, football, baseball, hockey, wrestling, or boxing, a pediatric mouth guard is one of the best ways to protect their teeth, gums, and jaw. At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA, Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim recommend custom-made mouth guards in pediatric dentistry because they provide greater comfort and protection than store-bought versions. Each appliance is tailored to your child’s mouth, offering reliable defense against sports-related injuries and helping lower the risk of long-term dental complications.
What Are the Benefits of Children’s Mouth Guards?
Custom-made mouth guards from Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry give young athletes both comfort and reliable protection during sports and physical activities. These appliances are designed to fit your child’s mouth precisely, making them safer and easier to wear than store-bought options. Key benefits include:
Lowers the risk of injuries to teeth, gums, and soft tissues
Helps protect the jaw from impact-related injuries
Provides a secure, comfortable fit tailored to your child
Encourages safer participation in contact sports
Simple to clean and maintain for long-term use
Offers parents peace of mind knowing their child’s smile is protected
When is a Children’s Mouth Guard Needed?
A children’s mouth guard is recommended for any activity that poses a risk of injury to the teeth, gums, or jaw. Dr. Kong and Dr. Kim often suggest them for contact sports such as football, hockey, martial arts, volleyball, wrestling, and soccer. They can also be helpful in non-contact activities like weightlifting or jogging, as they reduce strain on the teeth and jaw. Children with braces or dental restorations benefit from the added protection, since mouth guards prevent injuries to the gums and soft tissues.
Are Children’s Mouth Guards Covered by Insurance?
Insurance coverage for pediatric mouth guards varies by plan. During your child’s consultation, Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim will review costs and available options. Our team will verify insurance benefits ahead of time and explain any out-of-pocket expenses. For added convenience, Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry accepts multiple payment methods and offers flexible financing options.
How Are Children’s Mouth Guards Made?
The process begins with impressions of your child’s upper and lower teeth. These are sent to a professional dental lab, where the custom mouth guard is crafted from durable, high-quality materials. Once ready, your child will return for a fitting appointment. Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim will check for comfort, make necessary adjustments, and ensure the mouth guard provides the best possible protection.
How to Care for Children’s Mouth Guards
To maximize effectiveness, children should wear their mouth guard during sports or any activity with a risk of oral injury. After each use, the mouth guard should be rinsed or cleaned and stored in a protective case. Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim will recommend the best cleaning method depending on the material. Bring the mouth guard to routine dental visits so it can be checked for wear and replaced when needed.
Protect Your Child’s Teeth
Custom mouth guards are a simple and effective way to protect your child’s teeth while they stay active. At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA, Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim provide custom-made pediatric mouth guards designed for safety, comfort, and durability. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn how a custom mouth guard can protect your child’s smile.
Children’s Mouth Guards FAQ
No, it isn’t. There are common misconceptions about children’s mouth guards, including that they cause cavities or can affect teeth alignment. Because children’s mouth guards are typically worn for short periods during sports or recreation activities, the likelihood of them causing any type of dental health issue is extremely low. Also, because a mouth guard created by Dr. Kong is formed with an exact mold of your child’s teeth, it does not affect the alignment of the teeth.
A custom-made mouth guard designed by Dr. Kong offers a number of great benefits over store-bought mouth guards, including a better fit, a higher degree of protection, and the ability to have another one made if the mouth guard is lost, damaged, or misplaced. Since a custom-made mouth guard is created specifically for your child’s needs, it typically fits better and lasts longer compared to boil-and-bite or stock mouth guards bought at sporting goods shops.
A typical children’s mouth guard generally lasts one sports season. However, its lifespan can vary based on frequency of use, care, and the child’s growth. It’s essential to check the mouth guard regularly for signs of wear and replace it if needed to ensure optimal protection.
Yes, there are different types of mouth guards tailored for specific sports. While the primary purpose is to protect teeth and gums, some sports require enhanced protection or design features. For instance, a mouth guard for wrestling might differ from one for football due to the sport’s unique demands and risks.
Yes, children with braces can and should wear mouth guards, especially if they’re involved in contact sports. Special orthodontic mouth guards can be designed to fit over braces and protect the braces as well as the child’s teeth and gums.