Mouth Guard for Kids: Protecting Teeth from Grinding and Sports Injuries

Mouth Guard for Kids: Protecting Teeth from Grinding and Sports Injuries

As a parent, you want to protect your child from harm. You buckle them into car seats, apply sunscreen before outdoor play, and teach them to look both ways before crossing the street. But have you thought about protecting their teeth?

Dental injuries are more common than you might think. Children who grind their teeth at night can wake up with jaw pain and damaged enamel. Kids who play sports face risks of chipped, cracked, or even knocked-out teeth. According to the American Dental Association, athletes are 60 times more likely to sustain dental harm when not wearing a mouth guard.

The good news? A properly fitted mouth guard can prevent most of these issues. Whether your child grinds their teeth during sleep or plays contact sports on the weekends, a mouth guard offers essential protection. At Evergreen Pediatric Dentistry, we help families understand their options and find the right solution for their child’s needs.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about mouth guards for kids, from understanding teeth grinding to choosing the best protection for sports activities.

Understanding Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) in Children

Teeth grinding, medically known as bruxism, affects approximately 15-33% of children. You might hear it happening at night—a rhythmic grinding or clenching sound coming from your child’s bedroom. Other times, it goes unnoticed until a dental checkup reveals worn tooth surfaces.

Why do children grind their teeth? Several factors contribute to bruxism:

• Stress and anxiety: Just like adults, children experience stress from school pressure, social situations, or family changes. Grinding can be an unconscious response to these feelings.
• Misaligned teeth or jaw: When teeth don’t fit together properly, children may grind to find a comfortable position.
• Sleep disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea can trigger teeth grinding during the night.
• Medical conditions: Certain neurological conditions or medications may increase the likelihood of bruxism.
• Growth and development: Some children grind their teeth as their baby teeth emerge or as permanent teeth come in. This often resolves on its own.

What happens if bruxism goes untreated? The consequences can range from minor to significant:

• Worn tooth enamel that exposes the sensitive layers beneath
• Increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Jaw pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Chronic headaches, especially in the morning
• Disrupted sleep patterns

If you notice signs of teeth grinding in your child—such as complaints of jaw soreness, visible tooth wear, or those telltale nighttime sounds—it’s time to consult with a pediatric dentist.

The Role of Mouth Guards in Preventing Teeth Grinding

Mouth guards serve as a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth. They cushion the force of grinding and prevent direct tooth-to-tooth contact that causes wear and damage.

How do mouth guards work for bruxism? When your child wears a mouth guard at night, it:

• Creates a soft surface that absorbs grinding pressure
• Prevents enamel erosion and tooth fractures
• Reduces strain on jaw muscles
• Helps decrease headaches and facial pain
• Protects existing dental work from damage

Types of mouth guards for teeth grinding:

Stock mouth guards are pre-formed and ready to wear right out of the package. They’re the most affordable option but often bulky and uncomfortable. Because they don’t mold to your child’s teeth, they may not stay in place well during sleep.

Boil-and-bite mouth guards offer a better fit than stock options. You soften them in hot water, then have your child bite down to create an impression. While more comfortable than stock guards, they still may not provide optimal protection or stay secure throughout the night.

Custom-fit mouth guards are created by a dentist using impressions of your child’s teeth. These offer superior comfort, protection, and durability. Because they’re designed specifically for your child’s mouth, they stay in place better and allow for easier breathing and speaking.

For children with bruxism, custom-fit mouth guards typically provide the best long-term solution. They’re more comfortable to wear consistently, which increases the likelihood that your child will actually use them every night.

Sports-Related Dental Injuries in Children

Athletic activities bring wonderful benefits—physical fitness, teamwork, confidence building. But they also carry dental risks. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry reports that sports-related injuries account for approximately 13-39% of all dental injuries in children.

Common dental injuries from sports include:

• Chipped teeth: A blow to the face can fracture a portion of a tooth, exposing nerves and causing pain.
• Tooth avulsion: This means a tooth is completely knocked out of its socket. It’s a dental emergency requiring immediate attention.
• Root fractures: These occur below the gum line and may not be immediately visible but can cause significant problems.
• Soft tissue injuries: Lips, cheeks, tongue, and gums can be lacerated or bruised during contact.
• Jaw fractures: Severe impacts can break or dislocate the jaw.

Which sports pose the greatest risk? While any physical activity can result in dental injury, certain sports carry higher risks:

• Football, hockey, and lacrosse involve significant contact
• Basketball and soccer feature fast-moving balls and potential player collisions
• Baseball and softball involve hard balls traveling at high speeds
• Skateboarding, rollerblading, and biking can result in face-first falls
• Martial arts include deliberate striking

Even non-contact sports like gymnastics and cheerleading involve risks from falls and collisions. A mouth guard should be considered for any activity where facial impact is possible.

The financial and emotional costs of dental injuries extend beyond the initial pain. Treatment may involve root canals, crowns, bridges, or implants. These procedures are expensive and often require multiple appointments. The emotional impact on a child who loses a permanent tooth can affect their self-esteem for years.

Prevention through proper mouth guard use is far more effective than trying to repair damage after it occurs.

Choosing the Right Mouth Guard for Sports

Not all sports custom mouth guards are created equal. Finding the right one for your child depends on several factors.

Consider the sport and level of contact. High-contact sports require mouth guards with maximum shock absorption and coverage. Lower-contact activities may allow for lighter options that still provide adequate protection.

Key features to look for in a sports mouth guard:

• Impact resistance: The material should absorb and distribute force from blows or falls.
• Proper fit: A mouth guard that moves around or falls out won’t protect effectively.
• Comfort: If it’s uncomfortable, your child won’t want to wear it.
• Breathing ease: The design should allow for normal breathing during physical exertion.
• Durability: It should withstand repeated use throughout a season.
• Thickness: Thicker guards offer more protection but may feel bulkier. Balance is important.

Getting the right size matters. Children’s mouths are constantly changing as they lose baby teeth and permanent teeth grow in. Check the fit regularly, especially during growth spurts. If the mouth guard feels tight, causes discomfort, or shows signs of wear, it’s time for a replacement.

Proper care extends mouth guard lifespan:

• Rinse with cool water after each use
• Clean with a toothbrush and toothpaste regularly
• Store in a ventilated protective case
• Keep away from heat, which can warp the material
• Check regularly for tears, holes, or signs of wear
• Replace at the start of each sports season or when fit becomes poor

Teach your child that their mouth guard is as essential as their helmet or pads. Making it part of their pre-game routine helps establish good habits.

Custom-Fit Mouth Guards: A Superior Option

When it comes to protecting your child’s teeth, custom-fit mouth guards offer advantages that over-the-counter options simply can’t match.

Why choose custom-fit?

Better protection: Custom mouth guards are made from higher-quality materials with optimal thickness in key areas. They’re designed based on the specific anatomy of your child’s mouth, providing coverage exactly where it’s needed.

Superior comfort: Because they’re molded precisely to your child’s teeth and gums, custom guards don’t feel bulky or awkward. Children can breathe, speak, and drink without removing them. This comfort translates to consistent use—a mouth guard only works if your child actually wears it.

Improved durability: Custom mouth guards are constructed from professional-grade materials designed to last. While they cost more initially, they often outlast multiple over-the-counter replacements, making them more cost-effective long-term.

Accommodation for dental work: If your child has braces, bridges, or other dental appliances, a custom mouth guard can be designed to fit around these features while still providing protection.

Professional evaluation: Getting a custom mouth guard involves a dental examination. This allows the dentist to assess your child’s oral health, identify any concerns, and ensure the mouth guard addresses their specific needs.

The process of getting a custom-fit mouth guard is straightforward:

1. The dentist examines your child’s teeth and discusses their needs
2. Impressions are taken of the upper and lower teeth
3. The mouth guard is fabricated in a dental laboratory
4. Your child returns for a fitting to ensure proper comfort and protection
5. Adjustments are made if needed

While custom mouth guards require a larger upfront investment than drugstore options, the level of protection and comfort they provide makes them worthwhile for serious athletes or children with chronic bruxism.

How Evergreen Pediatric Dentistry Can Help

At Evergreen Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in protecting young smiles. We understand every child’s unique dental needs and find solutions that work for your family.

Our approach to mouth guards:

We begin with a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s oral health, activities, and history of teeth grinding or injuries to recommend the best mouth guard type.

For bruxism, we assess grinding severity and explain how a custom night guard prevents damage and alleviates jaw pain or headaches.

For athletes, we consider sports, contact level, and dental work to provide the right protection without hindering performance.

Why families choose Evergreen Pediatric Dentistry:

• Specialized pediatric expertise: Our entire practice focuses on children’s dental health. We understand developmental stages, can identify potential issues early, and know how to make dental visits positive experiences.
• Quality materials: We use only high-grade materials for our custom mouth guards, ensuring maximum protection and durability.
• Precise fit: Our custom mouth guards for kids are fabricated using detailed impressions, resulting in a comfortable fit that encourages consistent use.
• Ongoing support: We provide care instructions and are available to answer questions or make adjustments as your child grows.
• Convenient appointments: We work with families to schedule appointments that fit busy schedules, including after-school and weekend options.
• Creating a custom mouth guard at our office typically requires two visits. The first appointment involves examination and impressions. The second visit, usually a week or two later, is for fitting and any necessary adjustments. We ensure your child knows how to properly insert, remove, and care for their mouth guard before they leave.

Our goal is to make protecting your child’s teeth simple and stress-free. We take the time to answer your questions and address any concerns, ensuring you feel confident in the protection we’re providing.

Safeguarding Your Child’s Smile Starts Now

Your child’s dental health deserves the same attention you give to other aspects of their wellbeing. Whether they grind their teeth at night or play sports during the day, a properly fitted mouth guard offers essential protection against damage that can last a lifetime.

The investment in a quality mouth guard—particularly a custom-fit option—pays dividends in preventing injuries, avoiding pain, and preserving dental health. When compared to the cost and discomfort of treating dental trauma, preventive protection makes sense both financially and for your child’s quality of life.

Don’t wait until damage occurs. If your child grinds their teeth or participates in sports, take action now. Schedule a consultation with Evergreen Pediatric Dentistry to discuss your child’s specific needs and explore mouth guard options. Our team will help you find the right solution to keep your child’s smile healthy and bright for years to come.

Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry
Dr. Susan Kim
12910 Totem Lake Blvd NE #103
Kirkland, WA 98034
(425) 814-3196
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evergreenkidsdentist.com