Custom Sports Mouthguards In Valencia, CA

Protecting Your Mouth While You Have Fun In Valencia

Whether your child plays a contact sport, rides a bike or enjoys other active hobbies, protecting their smile is part of staying safe. Custom sports mouthguards create a protective barrier over the teeth and help absorb some of the force from an impact to the mouth. Wearing one can help reduce the risk of dental injuries and protect the lips, cheeks and tongue from getting hurt.

Young football players wearing helmets with protective sports mouthguards, representing custom mouthguards for children and teens in valencia, ca.

Why Custom Sports Mouthguards Matter

A mouthguard sits over the teeth to create a layer of protection during activities where your child could take a hit to the mouth or face. In addition to helping protect the teeth, it can reduce injuries to the lips, cheeks, tongue and gums. Custom sports mouthguards can also be helpful for those who grind or clench their teeth. For young athletes, wearing a properly fitted mouthguard is an easy step that can help protect their developing smile during practices, games and other physical activities.

Types Of Mouthguards

Available in three basic designs, each mouthguard offers a different balance of fit, convenience and cost.

Stock Mouthguards

These are ready-made and available in standard sizes. Because they are not shaped specifically for your child’s teeth, they may not provide the same level of comfort or stability as a more customized option.

Boil-And-Bite Mouthguards

These guards are softened in hot water before being shaped around your child’s teeth. They offer a more personalized fit than a stock mouthguard and are widely available at sporting goods stores and other retailers.

Custom-Made Mouthguards

Our custom sports mouthguards are created by one of our dental professionals using an impression or digital scan of your child’s teeth. This allows the appliance to be made specifically for their mouth, providing a more secure and comfortable fit.

The best choice depends on your child’s age, activity, dental needs and comfort. If your child has braces or other dental appliances, a custom mouthguard may be especially helpful for getting the right fit and protection.

​Reasons To Wear A Mouthguard

There are plenty of reasons to protect your smile by wearing a mouthguard:

Who Should Wear Custom Sports Mouthguards

A child should wear a mouthguard during any activity that can lead to face or mouth injury even if the regulations do not require it. Custom sports mouthguards should be worn during all contact sports, such as football, hockey and lacrosse. They should also be worn during any activity where there is a risk of falling or being hit in the mouth, such as skateboarding or bicycling.

Caring For Your Mouthguard

If your child wears a mouthguard, their daily oral hygiene routine should include mouthguard care and cleaning. To keep your child’s mouthguard healthy and clean, follow these steps:

  • Every Time It’s Used: Rinse the mouthguard immediately after with warm water.

  • Nightly: Brush the mouthguard with a designated soft toothbrush and mild antibacterial soap.

  • Weekly: Deep clean the mouthguard weekly with an over the counter denture cleaner or a capful of mouthwash diluted in water to fully submerge and let it soak for 30 minutes.

  • Always: Always place the mouthguard on a clean surface and let it air dry for 15-20 minutes.

Custom Sports Mouthguards FAQs

Choosing the right mouthguard for your child can be confusing, especially when you are trying to balance protection, comfort and cost. Here are answers to some of the questions parents commonly have about custom sports mouthguards for children and teens.

Can my child wear a mouthguard with braces?

Yes, protecting the teeth and braces from an impact is especially important during orthodontic treatment. Custom sports mouthguards are designed for braces and give the teeth and brackets room to move while helping protect the lips and cheeks from injury. Dr. Mulcahey can recommend a mouthguard that fits properly over their braces.

A properly fitting mouthguard should stay comfortably in place without your child having to constantly clench their teeth or hold it in with their jaw. It should not interfere with breathing or make it difficult to speak. If the mouthguard feels loose, causes discomfort or frequently falls out, it may not be providing the protection your child needs.

There is no single replacement schedule for every child. Their mouthguard should be checked regularly for signs of wear, damage or changes in fit. Children and teens may also outgrow a mouthguard as their mouths and teeth develop. If your child’s mouthguard is damaged, no longer fits comfortably or has become difficult to keep clean, it may be time for a replacement.

Custom sports mouthguards can reduce the risk of dental injuries, but cannot prevent every injury. If your child chips, breaks, loosens or knocks out a tooth during sports or another activity, contact us as soon as possible. Requesting an appointment at Valencia Smiles Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry can help determine the extent of the injury and whether treatment is needed.

One Office for Growing Smiles in Valencia, CA

From a child’s first dental visits to braces, Invisalign® and adult orthodontic treatment, Valencia Smiles Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry is here to support your family through every stage of the smile. Experience personalized pediatric dental and orthodontic care in a comfortable, family-focused office in Valencia, CA.