At Kiddie Cavity Care and Orthodontics, we know how important it is for kids to be active. If your child plays sports or enjoys other recreational activities, protect their teeth with a custom-made mouth guard. For more on children’s mouth guards, call our dental office in Richmond, or Temple Hills

What are Mouth Guards?

Mouth guards are oral appliances worn over the top teeth to prevent injury during sports and other physical activities. Made from durable, tear-resistant material, mouth guards absorb the force from blows to the face or hard falls. They are used to protect the mouth and face from the common sports-related injuries, including:

• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Gum and soft tissue injuries
• Lacerations on the lips and inside of the mouth
• Jawbone fractures

Mouth guards are also known to reduce the risk of concussions and neck injuries. They do this by absorbing the shock from impacts or falls, minimizing the risk of more traumatic injury.

Does My Child Need a Mouth Guard?

Mouth guards are an essential piece of equipment for athletes of all ages. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the use of mouth guards for children who participate in contact sports such as football, basketball, soccer, hockey and martial arts. Children who enjoy other recreational activities or hobbies that could result in a blow to the face or hard fall can also benefit from the use of a mouth guard.

For the greatest fit and protection, our dentist recommends a custom-made mouth guard. Store-bought mouth guards are readily available at sporting goods store and other retailers, but they offer little protection. These stock mouth guards are one-size-fits-all and are often bulky and uncomfortable, obstructing your child’s ability to speak and breath normally.

A customized mouth guard from our office will be made from a mold of your child’s mouth, ensuring superior fit and performance based on their unique dental needs. Our custom-fitted mouth guard will provide the protection your child needs without sacrificing their comfort.

Does My Child Need a Night Guard?

If your child grinds or clenches their teeth, we also offer night guards for patients who suffer from nighttime bruxism. Nighttime bruxism is a condition the causes your child to grind their teeth during sleep. As your child’s teeth wear down due to the nightly grinding, they can eventually chip and break.

If you are concerned your child has bruxism, here are the signs to look out for:

• Your child complains about jaw or face pain in the morning.
• Your child experiences pain when chewing.
• Your child experiences tooth sensitivity to hot or cold food and beverages.

A night guard from our office will protect your child’s teeth from the painful effects of nighttime bruxism.