Sports Mouthguards in El Segundo

School is starting and with it comes the beginning of the youth sports fall season. If your child is playing sports, congratulations! Your child is bound to have a great time and learn a lot. However, youth sports, like everything else in life, do involve some risk, and this includes risks to their teeth.

Have you considered getting your child a sports mouthguard in addition to other protective equipment? If you have never heard of a sports mouthguard or are not certain if your child needs one, El Segundo Modern Dentistry and Orthodontics is here to help. We put together this short guide to help explain what sports mouthguards are and why they are so important.

What Is a Sports Mouthguard?

A sports mouthguard is an orthodontic device worn in the mouth during sports play. They are generally worn over the top row of teeth unless your child has braces, in which case your provider at our El Segundo office may recommend a top and a bottom guard for maximum protection.

Why Should My Child Have a Sports Mouthguard?

Sports mouthguards protect your child from injuries to the teeth, mouth, and gums. A mouthguard will help protect your child from broken, chipped, or knocked out teeth as well as cut gums and some jaw injuries.

What Sports Should a Child Wear a Sports Mouthguard For?

Sports mouthguards should be worn for any sport that involves body contact, flying equipment, and/or falls. This means the obvious sports such as football, soccer, baseball, hockey, and basketball. These are all sports that carry with them a high risk of dental injuries.

There are other sports that have a high risk of dental injuries you might not think of at first, however. These include gymnastics, mountain biking, rollerblading, and skateboarding. Skiing and snowboarding are also on the list. If you are uncertain about whether or not your child should use a mouthguard, speak to their coach or your dentist here in El Segundo.

Does My Child Need a Sports Mouthguard Even if He or She Does Not Have Braces?

Absolutely. Braces create an additional need for sports mouthguards since they can be broken in play, but even children without braces can experience dental injuries on the field. Athletes of all ages are twice as likely to sustain these kinds of injuries without a mouthguard, whether or not they also have braces.

What Are the Types of Sports Mouthguards?

There are three basic types of sports mouthguards on the market: Stock, bite-and-boil, and custom sports mouthguards. The price goes up sequentially, but so does the fit and level of protection offered. Depending on the type of sports mouthguard and the brand, your child may also be able to choose a custom color, logo, or graphics.

Stock Sports Mouthguards

These sports mouthguards are available off the shelf from many sports equipment retailers. They are the least expensive option but are bulky, can fit poorly, and may wear out more quickly than other options. They also offer the least amount of protection.

Bite-and-Boil Sports Mouthguards

The next level up are the bite-and-boil sports mouthguards. These can also be purchased in sporting goods retailers. They come in standard sizes, and you boil the mouthguard and then have your child bite into it to conform it to the shape of his or her teeth. They fit better than standard sports mouthguards but not as well as custom sports mouthguards. 

Custom Sports Mouthguards

These mouthguards are only available from a dentist’s office. They are created specifically for your child’s mouth and fit better than any of the other options. They are the most expensive but also provide the most protection. We are proud to offer these as an option here at El Segundo Modern Dentistry and Orthodontics.

How Is a Custom Sports Mouthguard Created?

Your child’s dentist in the El Segundo office will first take an impression of your child’s mouth. This impression will then be sent to a dental laboratory that will custom-make the sports mouthguard specifically to fit your child. This one-of-a-kind sports mouthguard will provide the best fit and protection for your child’s teeth.

How Often Should We Replace My Child’s Sports Mouthguard?

Unfortunately, sports mouthguards for children need to be replaced frequently, both because they wear out and because children are constantly growing. You should replace your child’s sports mouthguard at least once a season to ensure adequate protection.

You should also replace the sports mouthguard anytime your child has a growth spurt, and the mouthguard stops fitting as well as it once did. Remember that the better the sports mouthguard fits, the more protected your child is!

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Sports Mouthguard?

The price of a sports mouthguard varies dramatically depending on the type of sports mouthguard you choose. A stock sports mouthguard will typically cost less than $25. You might pay as much as twice that for a bite-and-boil sports mouthguard. These sports mouthguards are normally not covered by insurance but may be covered by your HSA.

Custom sports mouthguards are more expensive. The price varies based on several factors, not the least of which is your dental insurance, which may or may not cover your child’s sports mouthguard in whole or in part. 

El Segundo Modern Dentistry and Orthodontics will always let you know the total cost of a treatment upfront so you will never have any unexpected expenses. We also offer a variety of financing options and payment plans to make certain you get the care you need. Speak to our office staff if you are interested in these options.

Are You Ready to Get a Sports Mouthguard for Your Children?

El Segundo Modern Dentistry and Orthodontics will be happy to take care of fitting your children with a custom mouthguard to protect their teeth while they play their favorite sports! We also offer a full range of preventative and restorative dental services for the entire family in a modern, up-to-date office.

Call (424) 277-2671 today and make your first appointment with El Segundo Modern Dentistry!