Custom Mouth Guards for Kids: Keep Your Child’s Smile Safe

As parents, we’re always looking out for our children—especially when they’re active, adventurous, and full of energy. Whether your child plays contact sports or grinds their teeth at night, a professionally crafted mouth guard from Campbell Pediatric Dentistry in Campbell CA and Los Gatos CA can make a big difference. Mouth guards don’t just protect teeth—they help prevent jaw injuries, soft tissue damage, and long-term oral health issues.

Let’s explore why a mouth guard might be one of the smartest investments you can make for your child’s dental health.

Why Kids Need Mouth Guards

A mouth guard acts like a cushion for your child’s mouth. It absorbs impact, reduces injury risk, and adds a layer of protection that’s hard to beat.

1. Sports Safety
   If your child plays football, soccer, basketball, hockey, or even gymnastics or skateboarding, they’re at risk of dental trauma. A properly fitted mouth guard protects against chipped teeth, busted lips, and jaw injuries during both practice and game time.
2. Nighttime Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
   Some children grind their teeth in their sleep without even realizing it. This habit can wear down enamel, cause jaw pain, and even lead to cracked teeth. A night guard can help minimize damage and ease tension in the jaw.
3. Braces Protection
   If your child wears braces, a mouth guard is essential, especially during sports. It not only shields the teeth but also prevents the braces from cutting into the cheeks or lips.

Types of Mouth Guards for Kids

At Campbell Pediatric Dentistry, we offer several options to fit your child’s needs and budget:

Stock Mouth Guards
These are pre-formed and ready to wear right out of the box. They’re inexpensive and easy to find, but because they aren’t made for your child’s unique mouth, they may feel bulky or uncomfortable.

Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards
A step up from stock guards, boil-and-bite styles can be softened in hot water and molded at home. They offer a better fit, but they still lack the precision and durability of a custom-made option.

Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards
Made just for your child’s mouth, custom guards offer unmatched comfort and protection. Created by our dental team using a mold of your child’s teeth, they fit perfectly and provide maximum safety whether your child is on the field or asleep in bed.

Why Choose a Custom Mouth Guard?

Here’s why more parents are opting for professionally made mouth guards:

• Superior Comfort: No slipping, gagging, or bulky feel—just a snug, secure fit.
• Enhanced Protection: Designed to absorb impact exactly where it matters most.
• Better Durability: Made from top-grade materials built to last longer.
• Improved Compliance: Kids are more likely to wear something that feels good and stays in place.

Caring for Your Child’s Mouth Guard

To keep the guard clean and effective, follow these simple steps:

• Rinse with warm water (or mouthwash) before and after use
• Gently brush with a toothbrush and mild soap
• Store in a ventilated case
• Check for cracks, tears, or warping—and replace as needed

Keeping the guard clean and in good condition helps protect both your child’s teeth and their overall health.

Ready to Protect Your Child’s Smile?

At Campbell Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to help you keep your child’s smile safe, whether they’re scoring goals, grinding at night, or wearing braces. Our custom mouth guards are tailored for maximum comfort and protection.

Schedule a fitting today and give your child the confidence to play hard—and smile even harder.