Services
Mouthguards
Protecting your child’s smile involves more than regular dental exams and cleanings, brushing, and flossing. Whether at night or during a big game, wearing a mouthguard can be necessary for kids. Mouthguards help soften the blow from physical facial impacts like teeth grinding or contact sports. At Fox Pediatric Dentistry in Elgin, IL, Dr. Justin Baik recommends nightguards and sports mouthguards to protect kids’ teeth from erosion, injuries, and other preventable problems.
Nightguards vs. Athletic Mouthguards
All mouthguards are removable appliances that protect the smile from force and minimize the risk of harm to the lips, jaws, and tongue—but they are not all the same. There are many reasons why a child might benefit from wearing a mouthguard, and Dr. Justin might suggest one of the following types of mouthguards:
Sleep disorders (like sleep apnea and bruxism) can prevent a child from obtaining the total hours of quality sleep needed during this rapid growth and development period. In some cases, a custom mouthguard (or nightguard) may be fabricated for adolescents with persistent nighttime teeth clenching or grinding in their permanent dentition (adult teeth). A nightguard is vital in protecting the longevity of teeth and is the leading, minimally invasive way of treating some sleep disorders.
Dr. Justin can fit young patients with custom nightguards by taking impressions of their teeth and sending them to our dental laboratory for fabrication.
For example, a minor cavity can be treated with a simple filling or disking. But, if tooth decay has a chance to develop, it might require more extensive restorative dentistry work, like a dental crown or removal.
Does your kid participate in high-impact sports? Whether your child is into martial arts, soccer, or rollerblading, it’s wise to encourage your child to start the habit of wearing a sports mouthguard at a young age.
A custom mouthguard for sports may be needed in a minority of cases (like for patients who wear braces). But in most cases, an over-the-counter (OTC) athletic mouthguard is sufficient to protect developing children during sports.
Are you searching for a reliable OTC sports mouthguard brand? Dr. Justin recommends the ADA-accepted brand Game On® Mouthguards for an athletic mouthguard with optimal fit and protection.
How should my child wear and care for their mouthguard?
At your children’s dental appointment, Dr. Justin can give detailed instructions on wearing, cleaning, and caring for their personalized mouthguard. Generally, he suggests wearing nightguards before bed and athletic mouthguards during sports. After removing the mouthguard, we suggest scrubbing it with an alcohol-free, antibacterial dish soap and a separate toothbrush. Before storing it in a carrying case, let the mouthguard dry. Nightguards and athletic mouthguards can last for several months with gentle care.
Choose the Correct Type of Mouthguard for Your Child
Since every child’s needs differ, choosing the best mouthguard for your child might initially seem complex. Fortunately, at Fox Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Justin can determine if a nightguard or a sports guard is most suitable for your child. Call (224) 629-4125 or contact us online to schedule a nightguard or sports mouthguard fitting near Elgin, IL.
