in Fremont, Tracy & San Leandro, CA
Kids play hard, and sometimes a ball, an elbow, or the ground gets a little too close to their smile. At Just Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we make custom sports mouthguards for kids and teens in Tracy, San Leandro, and Fremont. We keep the fitting simple and make sure your child leaves with a guard they can wear comfortably.
What Is a Sports Mouthguard?
A sports mouthguard is a soft, durable appliance worn over the upper teeth during practices, games, and other physical activities. It cushions the mouth if your child is hit by a ball, makes contact with another player, or falls.
Store-bought mouth guards come in stock and boil-and-bite styles. A custom-fitted mouthguard is made from a scan or impression of your child’s teeth. The closer fit helps it stay put and can make breathing and speaking easier.
Benefits of Custom Sports Mouthguards
- A secure, comfortable fit made for your child’s smile
- Protection for the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth
- Less slipping or shifting during active play
- Easier breathing and communication than many bulky stock guards
- Options for children and teens who wear braces
A secure fit gives your child reliable protection without distracting them during play. The mouthguard works alongside the helmet, face shield, or other protective equipment required for the sport.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Any child or teen who participates in a sport with a chance of contact or falls may benefit from a mouthguard. Mouth guards are commonly required for football, hockey, lacrosse, and some forms of wrestling. They are also recommended for basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, martial arts, gymnastics, skateboarding, and biking. For consistent protection, a child athlete should wear the mouthguard during every practice and game, especially in contact sports.
If your child wears braces, a braces-friendly guard can protect brackets, wires, lips, and cheeks. Because braces move the teeth, the mouthguard needs extra room and more frequent fit checks.
What Issues Do Sports Mouthguards Address?
A well-fitted guard helps reduce the risk of chipped, cracked, loosened, or knocked-out teeth. It also creates a soft barrier between the teeth and the lips, cheeks, tongue, and gums. This protection can limit cuts, damage, and other dental injuries during a collision or fall.
Sports mouthguards are protective equipment, so they cannot prevent every injury. Your child should still use the helmet, face shield, and other gear required for their activity.
Consultation & Preparation
The first appointment is short and straightforward. We check your child’s teeth, bite, gums, and any orthodontic appliances. Then we take a digital scan or impression to capture the shape of their smile. We explain each step before it happens and give your child time to get comfortable.
There is no special preparation. If your child’s league has specific mouthguard rules, bring that information with you so we can account for it.
Procedure
When the mouthguard is ready, we check the fit and show your child how to use it. It should feel snug without pinching, rubbing, or making them clench to keep it in place. The best mouthguard is one your child can wear comfortably every time they play.
Each custom guard is designed for a secure fit, comfort, and easy breathing. It should not interfere with your child’s performance. Small adjustments can be made if an area feels tight or rubs against the gums.
Recovery, Aftercare & Results
There is no recovery period after a mouthguard fitting. Your child can return to school, practice, or the rest of the day as usual.
Rinse the guard with cool water after each use, brush it gently, and let it air-dry in a ventilated case. Keep it away from heat, which can change its shape.
Bring it to your child’s regular dental exams so we can check the fit. Replace it if it becomes torn, loose, uncomfortable, or no longer fits as teeth change.
Cost of a Custom Mouthguard
Cost depends on the type of mouthguard and your child’s dental or orthodontic needs. Some dental plans may help with the expense, while others treat it as an out-of-pocket service. Our team will explain the cost, review any available benefits, and answer your questions before moving forward.
Why Families Choose Just Kids
We show kids the scanner or impression material, answer their questions, and follow their pace. Parents get practical guidance, and kids get a mouthguard made for their growing smile.
With pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof, we can monitor the fit as teeth change. Families can see familiar faces in Tracy, San Leandro, or Fremont from one season to the next.
Schedule a Mouthguard Fitting
A comfortable mouthguard is much more likely to make it onto the field, court, or mat. Contact Just Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics to schedule a fitting in Tracy, San Leandro, or Fremont. We will help your child get ready to play with one less thing for you to worry about.
Sports Mouthguard FAQs
Can my child wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes. Children with braces need a mouthguard that fits around brackets and leaves room for tooth movement. We will check the fit as orthodontic treatment progresses.
How often should a child’s mouthguard be replaced?
Replace it when it becomes damaged, loose, or uncomfortable. Growing children may need a new one more often as permanent teeth arrive or the bite changes.
Should my child wear it during practice?
Yes. Dental trauma can happen during practice as easily as during a game. Wearing the guard every time also helps it feel like a normal part of your child’s gear.