Custom Mouthguards Should Be on Your Back-to-School List

School is starting soon, and that means fall sports are almost here. Football, soccer, basketball, and cheer will fill up your family’s calendar before you know it. As you shop for new shoes and gear, don’t forget a small item that does a big job. Get custom mouthguards in Gallatin, TN.

Call Fields Family Dentistry at 615-461-4403 for an appointment.

Get Fitted Now, Not Later

The best time to get a mouthguard is before the season starts. Custom mouthguards take a little time to make. Your dentist takes a mold of your child’s teeth, and then the mouthguard is built to match. If you wait until practices begin, your athlete may have to play without one for a while.

Here’s a helpful tip: many families book the mouthguard fitting at the same time as their back-to-school dental checkup. That way, you take care of two things in one easy visit.

Why Your Athlete Needs One

Dental injuries happen a lot in youth sports. One hard hit or fall can chip a tooth, knock one out, or hurt the jaw. These injuries hurt, and fixing them can cost a lot of money. Some take years of dental visits to fully repair.

A mouthguard works like a cushion for the mouth. It softens the blow when something hits the face. Wearing one can help protect against:

  • Chipped, cracked, or lost teeth
  • Cuts inside the lips and cheeks
  • Jaw injuries
  • Damage to braces or other dental work

The Three Kinds of Mouthguards

Not every mouthguard protects the same way. There are three main types.

Store-bought mouthguards come ready to wear. They cost the least, but they often feel big and clumsy. Many kids find it hard to talk or breathe with one in, so they take it out. A mouthguard can’t protect anyone from the bench!

Boil-and-bite mouthguards are shaped at home. You warm them in hot water, then bite down to form them. They fit better than store-bought ones, but they don’t last long and the fit isn’t always right.

Custom mouthguards are made by your dentist just for your child’s mouth. They fit the best, feel the most comfortable, and last the longest. Because they feel good, kids actually wear them — and that’s what keeps teeth safe.

Do You Have a Kid with Braces?

If your athlete wears braces, a custom mouthguard is even more important. A hit to the mouth can push the lips and cheeks into the metal brackets. That can cause painful cuts. It can also break the braces themselves. A custom mouthguard is shaped to fit over braces, so it protects the smile and the braces at the same time.

Keep It Clean All Season

A mouthguard needs a little care to stay in good shape. Teach your athlete these simple habits:

  • Rinse it with cool water after every game and practice
  • Brush it with a toothbrush and a little soap
  • Keep it in a case with air holes — never loose in a bag
  • Keep it out of hot places, like a car, so it doesn’t lose its shape
  • Bring it to dental visits so the dentist can check it

Let’s Get Your Athlete Ready

Fall sports should be full of fun, friends, and great plays — not dental emergencies. If you’re looking for custom mouthguards in Gallatin, our team is ready to help.

Call Fields Family Dentistry at 615-461-4403 for an appointment in Gallatin, TN. You can also request an appointment online. Send your athlete into the season with a safe, protected smile.