Children's Mouth Guards in Lawrenceville, GA

If your child plays a sport (such as soccer, boxing, football, baseball, hockey, or wrestling), then board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Jeni Kong strongly suggests wearing a custom-made mouth guard to shield their gums, teeth, and jawbone from damage or injury. Compared to store-bought generic mouth guards, custom-made mouth guards from Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry are crafted and adjusted specifically for each child, which makes wearing them even more effective and comfortable. If you want to decrease the risk of harm to your child's smile, we invite you to contact our state-of-the-art practice in Lawrenceville, GA for more information about our custom-made mouth guards.

Mouth guards are typically recommended for children who play contact sports. In order to protect against tooth damage and injury, a mouth guard can be customized to fit your child's mouth. When compared to store-bought versions, custom-made mouth guards fit significantly better and allow for more effective protection. If your child participates in any activity that has a risk for an injury to the teeth, gums, or jaw, please contact Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry to learn more and schedule an initial consultation.  

Children's mouth guards from Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA offer several benefits when it comes to protecting your child's teeth, mouth, and overall oral health. Here are some key benefits of children's mouth guards:

• Reduces the risk of injuries to the teeth, gums, and mouth
• May protect against jaw injuries
• Comfortable and custom-made to fit your child's mouth
• Makes contact sports safer to play
• Easy to maintain
• Provides peace of mind

At your child's initial consultation, Dr. Jeni will talk with you about your mouth guard options and treatment costs. Insurance may cover a portion of the cost, so we will contact your insurance provider to determine your child's exact benefits and calculate any personal expenses. Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry accepts several types of payment methods, including special patient financing.

For the first step in making your's child's mouth guard, Dr. Jeni and our team will take impressions of the upper and lower teeth. These impressions will be sent to a dental lab where professionals will create your child's mouth guard from high-quality, durable materials. Once the mouth guard is made and sent to our practice, your child will need to return to our office to have the appliance fitted. Dr. Jeni will adjust the mouth guard if needed and make sure it is comfortable for your child.

Once your child receives their mouth guard, it is important that they wear it during sports or any time the mouth requires extra protection. Taking care of your child's mouth guard will be critical in maintaining its lifespan. It is important to keep it in a secure location and wash it before and after every use. Dr. Jeni will recommend the ideal method to clean your child's mouth guard depending on the material used to create it. Your child should bring it to each dental appointment so Dr. Jeni can check its current state and also let you know when a new guard is needed.

Is wearing a mouth guard bad for children's teeth?
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.

Is a custom mouth guard better than a store-bought mouth guard?
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.

When should a child wear a mouth guard?
Mouth guards are helpful if your child participates in a sport with a high risk of injury or frequent contact. A number of our patients take part in martial arts, football, volleyball, hockey, softball, soccer, wrestling, and other contact sports. A mouth guard may be particularly helpful if your child has dental restorations or braces, as these can easily cause damage to the gums and other soft tissues in the mouth. Mouth guards also have been proven to assist athletes engaging in non-contact sports (like jogging, yoga, and weight lifting) by reducing strain on the teeth and jawbone.

How long does a typical children's mouth guard last?
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.

Are there different types of mouth guards for different sports?
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.

Can children with braces wear mouth guards?
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.

Protect your child's dental health and boost their sports performance with a custom-made mouth guard. Dr. Jeni provides high-quality mouth guards to protect your child's smile from accidents and injury during impact sports. Schedule an appointment at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA today to find out more information on the advantages of custom-made mouth guards.