Sports Mouth Guards in South Euclid, OH
Sports mouth guards help protect teeth and other oral structures during athletic activity. At University Suburban Dental, our dentist provides custom sports mouth guards in South Euclid, Ohio, for children and teens who participate in sports and need protection designed specifically for their smile.
Call 216-381-6521 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lexi Plucinsky and learn whether a custom sports mouth guard is right for your child.
What Is a Sports Mouth Guard?
A sports mouth guard is an oral appliance worn over the teeth during athletic activity to help reduce the risk of dental injuries. Mouth guards may be especially important for children who participate in contact or collision sports, but they can also be useful in other activities where falls, impacts or accidental contact may occur.
Dr. Plucinsky can evaluate your child’s teeth and bite and recommend a mouth guard designed to fit comfortably and securely.
What Injuries Can a Sports Mouth Guard Help Prevent?
A properly fitted mouth guard can help protect the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth during sports and physical activity.
Sports mouth guards may help reduce the risk of:
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Injuries to the lips, cheeks or tongue
- Damage to dental restorations
- Other trauma caused by impact to the mouth
No mouth guard can prevent every injury, but wearing one provides an important layer of protection during sports.
Who Should Wear a Sports Mouth Guard?
Children and teens who participate in sports with a risk of contact, falls or impact to the face may benefit from wearing a mouth guard.
This may include activities such as:
- Football
- Hockey
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Wrestling
- Rugby
- Lacrosse
- Martial arts
- Skateboarding or similar activities
Some sports require mouth guards as part of their equipment rules, while others do not. Dr. Plucinsky can help you decide whether one is appropriate for your child’s activities.
Custom Sports Mouth Guards vs. Store-Bought Mouth Guards
Store-bought mouth guards are widely available, but custom sports mouth guards are created from a model of your child’s teeth for a more individualized fit.
A custom mouth guard may offer advantages such as:
- A closer fit around the teeth
- Improved comfort during activity
- Less movement while speaking or breathing
- A design based on your child’s individual bite and dental anatomy
The best choice depends on your child’s age, sport, dental development and level of activity.
How Is a Custom Sports Mouth Guard Made?
The process begins with an evaluation of your child’s teeth and bite. Our dental team may take a digital scan or impression to create a model that can be used to design the mouth guard.
The finished guard is then checked for fit and comfort. Dr. Plucinsky can also provide instructions for how to wear, clean and store it properly.
When Should a Sports Mouth Guard Be Replaced?
Children’s mouths change as they grow, so a mouth guard that once fit well may eventually become too tight, loose or uncomfortable.
Replacement may be needed if:
- The guard no longer fits securely
- Your child has new teeth coming in
- The mouth guard becomes worn, torn or damaged
- Your child has had dental treatment that changes the fit
Dr. Plucinsky can check the fit during routine dental visits and recommend replacement when needed.
How Should My Child Care for a Sports Mouth Guard?
Proper care can help keep the mouth guard clean and usable. Your child should follow the instructions provided by our team, which may include rinsing the guard after use, cleaning it regularly and storing it in a ventilated protective case.
It is also important to inspect the guard for wear or damage and avoid exposing it to excessive heat, which may affect its shape.
Sports Mouth Guards and Pediatric Dental Care
Protecting your child’s smile during sports is one part of maintaining good oral health as they grow. Regular dental cleanings and exams give our team an opportunity to monitor developing teeth and check for damage or changes that may affect the fit of an oral appliance.
You can also learn more about our pediatric dentistry services and the preventive care available for growing smiles.
What If My Child Injures a Tooth During Sports?
If your child experiences a chipped, broken, loosened or knocked-out tooth during athletic activity, contact our office promptly. The appropriate next step depends on the type and severity of the injury.
For urgent dental injuries, learn more about our emergency dental care services.
Schedule a Sports Mouth Guard Appointment in South Euclid, OH
If your child participates in sports or other activities with a risk of dental injury, a custom mouth guard may provide an additional level of protection for their smile.
Contact our office or call 216-381-6521 to schedule an appointment for a custom sports mouth guard in South Euclid, Ohio.
Sports Mouth Guards FAQs
What is a sports mouth guard?
A sports mouth guard is an oral appliance worn over the teeth during athletic activity to help reduce the risk of dental and soft-tissue injuries.
Does my child need a mouth guard for every sport?
Not every sport requires one, but a mouth guard may be helpful whenever there is a risk of falls, collisions or impact to the face. Dr. Plucinsky can help you decide based on your child’s activities.
Are custom sports mouth guards better than store-bought guards?
Custom mouth guards are made to fit your child’s individual teeth and bite, which may improve comfort and stability. The best option depends on your child’s needs, sport and stage of dental development.
Can a sports mouth guard prevent a knocked-out tooth?
A mouth guard can help reduce the risk of dental injury, including certain types of tooth trauma, but no appliance can prevent every injury.
How often should a sports mouth guard be replaced?
Replacement may be needed when the guard no longer fits properly, becomes damaged or when your child’s teeth and bite change as they grow.
How do I clean a sports mouth guard?
Follow the cleaning instructions provided by our dental team. In general, the guard should be rinsed after use, cleaned regularly and stored in a protective ventilated case.
Can my child wear a mouth guard with braces or other dental work?
Children with orthodontic appliances or other dental treatment may need a mouth guard designed around their current dental condition. Dr. Plucinsky can evaluate the fit and recommend an appropriate option.
What should I do if my child damages a tooth while playing sports?
Contact our office promptly so our team can determine the appropriate next step. Depending on the injury, emergency dental evaluation may be recommended.
We’re Ready to See You
Our dentist and team are excited to help you enjoy a healthier, happier and more confident smile. We are committed to providing personalized care that addresses your unique needs and helps you achieve your best smile. Contact us today to schedule your visit with our talented dentist in South Euclid, Ohio!
Call Us at 216-381-6521
The Home for Your Smile
Your destination for a healthy smile can be found at University Suburban Dental. Give us a call now to learn more about our many dental services and find out how we can help you achieve your smile goals! Our team is ready to guide you through every step of your dental journey with care, expertise and a personal touch.
Get Directions
