Protect Your Child’s Smile with Customized Mouthguards and Nightguards

Protecting your child’s smile during sports activities is crucial as mouth and jaw injuries are common among athletes. Mouthguards serve as a shield for teeth and gums against such injuries. Yet, many parents overlook the importance of mouthguards, exposing their children to injuries to their teeth, lips, cheeks, jaws, tongue, and gums.  

Simply Kids Dental in Colorado Springs, Colorado, offers customized mouthguards to shield your child’s smile from sports injuries. Be proactive and protect your child today with a custom mouthguard offered by Dr. Sean Vostatek and the team. We also provide personalized nightguards to protect your child’s teeth from chronic grinding and jaw clenching (bruxism).

What are the different types of mouthguards?

Choosing the right mouthguard is important to ensure optimal protection for your child. Since several types of mouthguards are available on the market, it’s important to learn about them to help you choose the right one for your little one.

  • Stock mouthguards: These generic, mass-produced mouthguards fit loosely over your teeth and barely offer any protection. They are the most affordable, but fit poorly in the mouth, making breathing and talking a struggle.
  • Boil and bite: Also called self-adapted mouthguards, these dental splints are adapted to the mouth shape by boiling in water to soften the plastic. Although these mouthguards offer a better fit than their generic counterparts, they are better options.
  • Custom mouthguards: These are the type of mouthguards that are fabricated in our office. They offer the best protection, fit precisely, and are the most comfortable because they are made with your bite impressions.

How do mouthguards work?

Our office offers two types of mouthguards: bruxism nightguards and athletic custom mouthguards. A sports mouthguard protects your child’s mouth by creating a cushion for the teeth, gums, lips, and other structures should they come into contact with anything.

Athletic mouthguards prevent or reduce the risk of broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, cuts, concussions, and other sports injuries. We recommend wearing a mouthguard during contact sports like rugby, football, boxing, hockey, martial arts, basketball and wrestling. Dental guards should also be worn during high-risk sports like skiing, cycling, skating, snowboarding. If your child wears braces or a retainer, wearing a mouthguard is imperative. Our office can demonstrate proper mouthguard usage and aid in selection.  A sports mouthguard provides peace of mind, allowing your child to concentrate on the game, knowing their smile is safe.

Our bruxism nightguard creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth. This mouthguard absorbs the teeth-grinding forces, protecting your child’s smile from dental damage, jaw soreness, headaches, and other unpleasant symptoms.

How are mouthguards maintained?

Our custom mouthguards are created from durable materials, but they need maintenance to extend their longevity and prevent staining. After using your mouthguard, rinse it with cold or lukewarm water to remove saliva and harmful bacteria. You should clean your mouthguard with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Occasionally, you can wash your mouthguard with soapy water and rinse thoroughly.  

Store the mouthguard in a protective container when not in use. Avoid exposing your mouthguard to heat to avoid warping. Should you notice any signs of wear and tear, inform your dentist—the mouthguard may be due for replacement.

Does a dentist near me provide mouthguards for kids?

Protect your child’s smile with customized mouthguards offered at Simply Kids Dental. Whether you need a sports or bruxism mouthguard for your young one, we are here to help you. Call (719) 249-2030 to schedule an appointment today.