what is a children’s mouth guard?
If your child plays sports such as soccer, football, baseball, hockey, wrestling, or boxing, a custom-made 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 pediatric sports mouth guards because they provide far more comfort and protection than store-bought versions. Each appliance is designed specifically for your child’s mouth, offering reliable protection against injuries and helping reduce 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 peace of mind and strong protection during physical activities. Benefits include:
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
When is a children’s mouth guard needed?
Mouth guards are recommended for any child involved in activities with a risk of injury to the mouth 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 useful in non-contact activities such as weightlifting or jogging to reduce strain on the teeth and jaw. Children with braces or restorations benefit from added protection as mouth guards help prevent injuries to soft tissues and gums.
Are children’s mouth guards covered by insurance?
Coverage for pediatric mouth guards depends on your child’s insurance plan. At your consultation, Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim will review options and costs with you. Our team will verify insurance benefits in advance and explain any out-of-pocket expenses. Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry also accepts a variety of payment methods and offers financing options for your convenience.
How are children’s mouth guards made?
Creating a custom mouth guard begins with impressions of your child’s upper and lower teeth. These impressions are sent to a dental lab, where the mouth guard is made using durable, high-quality materials. Once it arrives at our office, your child will return to have it fitted. Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim will check for comfort and make any adjustments to ensure the best fit.
How to care for children’s mouth guards
To get the most out of a mouth guard, children should wear it during sports or any activity that risks injury to the mouth. It should be rinsed or cleaned before and after use, and stored securely in a protective case. Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim will recommend the best cleaning methods depending on the material. Be sure to bring the mouth guard to dental appointments so it can be checked for wear and replaced when necessary.
Protect your child’s teeth
Custom mouth guards are an easy way to protect your child’s teeth while they stay active and enjoy their favorite sports. At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA, Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim provide high-quality, custom-made mouth guards designed for comfort, durability, and safety. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how a custom mouth guard can help 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.