Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Sports Guards in San Ramon
For over 50 years, the American Dental Association has advocated for the use of properly-fitted mouthguards to minimize the risk of oral injuries during sports. While mouthguards do not completely eliminate the possibility of oral injuries, athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer harm without one. Hard impacts and airborne objects can lead to serious dental and jaw issues.
A custom-fitted mouthguard, designed to fit over the upper teeth, provides protection by cushioning the teeth against the soft tissues, absorbing impacts, and stabilizing the jaw during collisions. The risks of not wearing a mouthguard include broken or lost teeth, jaw injuries, cuts to the lips and cheeks, and damage to orthodontic appliances.
Not all sports mouthguards offer the same level of protection. A custom-fitted mouthguard provided by DM Dentistry offers the highest level of protection due to its tailored fit for the unique shape of your child’s upper teeth. This personalized fit is far superior to generic mouthguards available at sporting goods stores.
Stock and boil-and-bite mouthguards are designed with a “one size fits all” mentality, often resulting in an uncomfortable fit that can make it hard for your young athlete to breathe or speak. These generic mouthguards are more prone to tearing, do not fit properly, and are made from weaker materials, which are inadequate for contact sports.
Investing in a custom-fit mouthguard is also an investment in the athlete’s long-term oral health. The durable materials used in custom mouthguards provide excellent protection while allowing the athlete to breathe and talk comfortably. However, using a temporary mouthguard while waiting for a custom one is still better than not wearing one at all.
A mouthguard designed and crafted in a dental office offers the highest durability and protection. Dr. Malla assesses each athlete’s unique needs and customizes the mouthguard accordingly, even allowing for space for growing teeth and jaws — something generic mouthguards can’t match.
The process begins with our team taking an impression of the teeth, which is used to create the custom mouthguard. We then trim, polish, and check the fit to ensure it is perfect. A properly fitting mouthguard is protective, odorless, tasteless, and has sufficient thickness in critical areas.
Each mouthguard is tailored to the individual athlete, providing the necessary thickness and design for comfort and protection. Thanks to its high-quality construction, this type of mouthguard can endure the demands of any contact sport. Parents can feel confident knowing their athlete has the best protection for their mouth and teeth.