We understand that protecting your child and their smile is a high priority. At Helotes Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we proudly offer mouthguards for sports and teeth grinding to help your child's smile stay protected during high-impact activities or from poor oral habits. If you would like to have your child fitted for a mouthguard, contact our front office by giving us a call or sending us a message through our website. We can work with you to find the best time for you and your child to visit us.
Why are mouthguards important for kids in sports?
Mouthguards, or athletic mouthguards, can help protect your child from having a dental emergency when playing a sport. If your child is involved in a sport, a custom-fit mouthguard for sports can protect your child's teeth and prior dental work by helping to cushion any blow to the face. Even if your child doesn't play a high-impact sport like boxing or football, athletic mouthguards for skating or gymnastics also are highly recommended.
What if my child is scared of the dentist?
It's completely normal for children to be afraid of going to the dentist, even if it's just for a teeth cleaning. We recommend that you speak with your child about the importance of dentistry in a calm and positive way, and reassure them that regular dental visits are an important part of staying healthy. Our team would also be happy to have a conversation with your child to help ease their fears of dentists and dentistry.
Can a mouthguard help prevent teeth grinding?
Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, can lead to your child experiencing headaches, a sore jaw, or even fractured teeth. If you notice your child teeth grinding, a mouthguard can help prevent grinding by providing a barrier between teeth to relax the jaw. If you're uncertain if your child can benefit from a mouthguard for teeth grinding, our friendly pediatric dentist would be happy to see your child for an evaluation.
How long does a mouthguard last?
Mouthguards are only to be worn as directed. For example, an athletic mouthguard should only be worn when playing the sport, and a mouthguard for teeth grinding is likely only to be worn when sleeping. With proper care, mouthguards can last three to five years. However, some mouthguards may not last that long with constant use. If your child's mouthguard needs to be replaced or is lost, our office would be happy to create your child a replacement mouthguard.
