Custom Mouthguards & Sports Mouthpieces in Kentfield, CA
What is the best mouthguard for baseball?
A custom-fitted mouthguard designed by a pediatric dentist is always the best choice for baseball. Being struck in the mouth by a baseball can cause serious damage due to the ball’s velocity and hardness. A customized mouthpiece will fit well, so your child is more likely to wear it and receive maximum shock absorption for optimal protection of the teeth and gums.
Mouthguard vs. mouthpiece: What’s the difference?
A mouthguard is designed to protect the teeth and gums from impact and other injuries, primarily during sports. A mouthpiece is typically designed to adjust or improve the alignment or performance of the teeth or gums. Examples include aligners, mouthpieces to prevent teeth grinding, and devices for sleep apnea. Mouthguards are designed to protect against trauma. Mouthpieces are focused on function and correcting a problem.
What Are Mouthguards?
Mouthguards are athletic mouth protectors made of soft plastic. They fit over the teeth and are designed to absorb the shock of impact, protecting the teeth and gums from trauma. They are available in standard or custom fits to adapt comfortably to the upper teeth.
Why are Mouthguards Important?
Mouth guards protect teeth from possible sports injuries. They also protect the lips, cheeks, tongue, and jawbones. They can help protect a child from head and neck injuries such as concussions. Most injuries occur in the mouth and head area. According to some studies, when a child is not wearing a mouthguard, the risk of traumatic dental injury is 60 times higher. Wearing a mouthguard during sports is one of the simplest ways to prevent dental emergencies for your child.
When Should My Child Wear a Mouthguard?
During any sports-based activity, there is a risk of head, face, or neck injury. These include hockey, soccer, karate, basketball, baseball, skating, skateboarding, and many others. Most oral injuries occur when children play basketball, baseball, and soccer.
Compassionate Dental Care, Just for Kids
Dr. Ladan Vakili makes every visit in Kentfield safe, gentle, and fun for your child. Contact our office today!
How to Choose the Right Mouthguard
Choosing the right mouthguard for your child means balancing protection, comfort, and how the guard will be used. Mouthguards come in three main types: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom. Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and inexpensive, but they often fit loosely and can be bulky, making it hard for kids to talk or breathe comfortably. They may be better than nothing for occasional use, but they’re generally not ideal for intense sports or long wear.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards offer a step up in fit. Made from thermoplastic, they soften in hot water and are shaped around your child’s teeth by biting down. These can be more comfortable and protective than stock guards, and they’re widely available at sporting goods stores. Kids can sometimes choose fun colors or team themes, which may entice them to wear them more often. However, the fit is still imperfect, especially if your child has braces or special dental issues, and frequent re-molding is usually needed.
For the best protection, comfort, and long-term performance, a custom mouthguard is the best choice, especially for contact sports or children who clench and grind their teeth. Dr. Vakili crafts these mouthguards from an impression of your child’s mouth for a snug, tailored fit that stays in place and feels more natural. They can be designed to accommodate braces, protect soft tissues around brackets, and offer superior shock absorption. While they cost more than stock or boil-and-bite options, the improved fit and durability offer greater protection and peace of mind. We can also make custom guards in your child’s favorite colors, making them both functional and fun.
Mouthguard FAQs
Do baseball players need a mouthguard?
Yes. While baseball is not a contact sport, there are thousands of injuries every year in baseball due to children being hit in the face by a baseball or bat and collisions with other players. Wearing a mouthguard dramatically reduces this risk.
Is boil and bite okay for youth baseball?
It is better than nothing or for occasional use, but the fit is not as good, and it does not offer the same level of protection as a custom mouthguard. If your child has braces, Dr. Vakili recommends a custom-fitted mouthguard, as a boil-and-bite mouthguard will not fit well enough to protect the orthodontic wires and brackets.
How long does a custom mouthguard take?
It typically takes about two weeks to receive your custom mouthguard.
How often should I replace my child’s mouthguard?
Stock mouthguards typically last 3 to 6 months before needing to be replaced. Boil-and-bite mouthguards may last 6 to 12 months. The high-quality materials and superior fit of custom mouthguards mean they can last 1 to 2 years, so you can usually get a full season of any sport out of them. However, if your child reports the fit is becoming uncomfortable, or you notice any wear or damage, have the mouthpiece checked. If your child is going through a growth spurt, you should schedule an appointment so we can check the fit.
Protecting your child’s teeth, gums, jaw, and cheeks against injuries is crucial to protecting their oral health now and in the future. If they participate in any type of sports activities that could lead to injuries, call our office today at Kentfield Office Phone Number 415-454-6414 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vakili to learn more about sports mouthguards and how they can protect your child.
