Protect Your Child’s Smile During Sports and Recreation
A collision, fall or unexpected impact can chip, loosen or knock out a child’s tooth in seconds. A properly fitted sports mouthguard helps cushion the teeth and protect the lips, cheeks, tongue and gums during athletic activities.
At Longhorn Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Dr. Reza Arzegar provides custom sports mouthguards for children and teenagers in Austin, Texas. Each appliance is designed around your child’s teeth and developing smile for a secure, comfortable fit.
Help protect your child before the next practice or game. Call 512-892-2443 or schedule an appointment online for a custom pediatric sports mouthguard.
What Is a Custom Sports Mouthguard?
A sports mouthguard is a protective dental appliance worn over the teeth during physical activity. It helps absorb and distribute force from impacts that could otherwise injure the teeth or soft tissues of the mouth.
A custom mouthguard is created from a detailed impression or digital scan of your child’s teeth. Unlike a generic guard, it is designed to fit their individual dental structure and bite.
Which Activities Call for a Mouthguard?
Mouthguards are especially important for contact and collision sports, but dental injuries can occur during many recreational activities. Dr. Arzegar may recommend one for children participating in:
- Football, hockey, lacrosse or rugby
- Basketball, soccer, baseball or softball
- Wrestling, boxing or martial arts
- Volleyball or gymnastics
- Skateboarding, biking or skating
- Other activities involving falls, contact or fast-moving equipment
A mouthguard may be worthwhile even when a league does not require one. Wearing it during both practices and games provides more consistent protection.
What Injuries Can a Mouthguard Help Reduce?
A custom sports mouthguard can reduce the risk or severity of injuries involving:
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Loose or knocked-out teeth
- Cuts to the lips, cheeks or tongue
- Damage to the gums and other oral tissues
- Direct impact to teeth with existing dental work
No mouthguard can prevent every injury, but a well-fitting appliance provides an important layer of protection for your child’s smile.
Custom vs. Store-Bought Sports Mouthguards
Store-bought mouthguards can provide some protection, but they may feel bulky, shift during activity or make speaking and breathing more difficult. A child may also be less likely to wear an appliance that feels uncomfortable.
A custom sports mouthguard offers several advantages:
- Individual fit: It is designed around your child’s teeth and bite.
- Improved stability: A secure fit helps it remain in place during activity.
- Greater comfort: The appliance can be shaped without unnecessary bulk.
- Easier communication: A better fit may make speaking and breathing more comfortable.
- Appropriate coverage: The design accounts for your child’s dental development and vulnerable teeth.
What to Expect When Getting a Custom Mouthguard
Your child’s appointment begins with an examination of their teeth, gums and bite. Dr. Reza Arzegar will also consider tooth eruption, existing restorations and any orthodontic appliances.
- Dental evaluation: Dr. Arzegar confirms that a custom mouthguard is appropriate.
- Impression or digital scan: Detailed records capture the shape and position of your child’s teeth.
- Custom fabrication: The appliance is created to fit your child’s developing smile.
- Fit check: Our team evaluates comfort, coverage and stability.
- Care guidance: Your child learns how to wear, clean and store the mouthguard.
Sports Mouthguards for Children With Braces
Children undergoing orthodontic treatment still need protection during sports. Because teeth move and brackets may irritate the lips or cheeks during an impact, the mouthguard must provide appropriate room and coverage.
Dr. Arzegar can evaluate your child’s orthodontic appliances and recommend a suitable option. Learn more about our braces for children and teens.
Caring for and Replacing a Sports Mouthguard
Children’s mouths change as baby teeth are lost, permanent teeth emerge and orthodontic treatment progresses. Bring the mouthguard to routine dental visits so our team can check its fit and condition.
Help your child protect the appliance by encouraging them to:
- Rinse it before and after each use
- Clean it using the method recommended by our team
- Allow it to dry before placing it in a ventilated case
- Keep it away from pets and excessive heat
- Check it regularly for cracks, tears or changes in fit
The mouthguard may need to be replaced if it becomes damaged, feels tight or loose, or no longer provides adequate coverage as your child grows.
What if My Child Injures a Tooth?
Remove the mouthguard and inspect your child’s mouth after a significant impact. Contact Longhorn Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics promptly if a tooth is painful, loose, fractured, displaced or knocked out, even if the appliance appears undamaged.
Visit our pediatric emergency dental care page or call 512-892-2443 for guidance.
Why Choose Dr. Reza Arzegar for Your Child’s Mouthguard?
A child’s mouth continues changing as teeth emerge and the jaws grow. A pediatric dentist can account for that development when evaluating fit, protection and replacement needs.
Dr. Reza Arzegar is a board-certified pediatric dentist with 20 years of experience caring for infants, children and teenagers. Dr. Arzegar uses digital dental technology and a child-focused approach to provide preventive care for growing smiles.
Learn more about Dr. Arzegar on our meet our doctors page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Mouthguards
Does my child need a mouthguard for a noncontact sport?
A mouthguard may still be beneficial when an activity involves falls, fast-moving equipment or accidental contact. Dr. Arzegar can help evaluate your child’s risk.
Are custom mouthguards better than store-bought guards?
Custom mouthguards are designed around your child’s teeth and bite, which can provide a more secure and comfortable fit.
Can my child wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes, but the appliance must accommodate the brackets and continued tooth movement. Dr. Arzegar will recommend an option suited to your child’s treatment.
Should my child wear the mouthguard during practice?
Yes. Dental injuries can happen during practices as well as games, so consistent use provides better protection.
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
Its lifespan depends on your child’s growth, tooth eruption, use and care. It should be replaced when damaged, uncomfortable or no longer secure.
How should we clean a sports mouthguard?
Rinse it after every use, clean it as directed and allow it to dry before storing it in a ventilated case.
Can a mouthguard prevent every dental injury?
No. A properly fitted mouthguard cannot prevent every injury, but it can reduce the risk and severity of many injuries to the teeth and mouth.
Where can I get a custom sports mouthguard for my child in Austin, Texas?
Longhorn Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics provides custom sports mouthguards for children and teenagers in Austin, Texas. Dr. Reza Arzegar is a board-certified pediatric dentist with 20 years of experience caring for growing smiles.
Schedule a Custom Mouthguard Appointment in Austin, Texas
A comfortable, properly fitted sports mouthguard can help your child participate with greater protection and confidence. Dr. Reza Arzegar will evaluate their smile and create an appliance suited to their dental development and activities.
Call Longhorn Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics at 512-892-2443 or schedule an appointment online for a custom sports mouthguard in Austin, Texas.
512-892-2443