Spring Sports Season: Does Your Child Need a Custom Mouthguard?

With the sun finally peeking out and the fields drying up, the spring sports season is officially here! Whether your child is stepping onto the baseball diamond, sprinting down the lacrosse field, or hitting the pavement for skateboarding, it is an exciting time for Marin County families.

As you check off your back-to-school-style list, including cleats, jerseys, and helmets, there is one humble piece of equipment that often gets overlooked until the last minute: the mouthguard.

Why Protection Matters

We often think of mouthguards as a requirement for high-contact sports like football, but at Ladan Vakili, DMD, we recommend them for almost any active pursuit. It only takes one stray ball or an accidental collision during a “low-impact” activity to cause a dental emergency.

A good mouthguard does more than just protect teeth from being knocked out; it helps prevent:

• Lip and cheek lacerations from sharp tooth edges.
• Fractured or chipped teeth.
• Jaw injuries by absorbing the shock of an impact.

Not All Mouthguards Are Created Equal

When you head to the local sporting goods store, you’ll see plenty of “boil-and-bite” mouthguard options. While these are better than nothing, they often fall short in two major areas: comfort and protection.

Because they aren’t specifically shaped for your child’s mouth, store-bought guards can be bulky, making it hard for kids to breathe or speak clearly. If a mouthguard is uncomfortable, a child is much more likely to “forget” to wear it or keep it tucked in their pocket during the game.

The Custom Advantage

A custom-made mouthguard from your pediatric dentist is more comfortable and offers greater protection for your young athlete. Here’s why:

• Precision Fit: We take a digital or manual impression of your child’s teeth to ensure the guard fits snugly in place without constantly biting down.
• Superior Breathability: Because it fits perfectly, your child can talk to their teammates and breathe easily during a sprint.
• Maximum Safety: Custom guards are made from high-quality, professional-grade materials that offer superior shock absorption compared to over-the-counter versions.

Get Game-Ready with Dr. Vakili

At our Kentfield office, we love seeing our patients stay active and healthy. Dr. Ladan Vakili specializes in creating custom mouthguards that kids actually want to wear. We can even customize them to match team colors!

Don’t wait for a sports-related dental emergency to happen. Let’s make sure your child’s smile is protected before they head out for the first game of the season.

Is your little athlete ready for the field? Call us at Kentfield Office Phone Number 415-454-6414 today to schedule an appointment for a custom mouthguard fitting!