Athletic Mouth Guards for Kids in Wichita & Derby KS
Helping your child stay safe while enjoying the sports they love is a priority for every parent. Many families focus on helmets, pads, and proper footwear, yet one of the most important pieces of protective gear is often overlooked. Up to forty percent of sports related injuries in children involve the face, which means that a high quality, custom fit mouthguard is essential. At ICTeeth Pediatric Dentistry in Wichita and at Smile Safari Pediatric Dentistry in Derby, our team creates personalized mouthguards designed to protect developing teeth, growing jaws, and soft tissues during a wide range of physical activities.
Why Choose Us
- We have four talented pediatric dentists
- We have an amazing team who love small faces and big smiles
- Parents love the fun and positive experience for their kids
What Is a Mouth Guard?
A mouthguard is a soft yet durable oral appliance worn over the teeth during sports or other physical activities that carry a risk of impact. Its purpose is to protect teeth, lips, cheeks, tongue, and the jaw structure. Children are constantly moving, jumping, and exploring, which makes them more likely to fall or collide with other players. A well made mouthguard absorbs and distributes the force of a blow, reducing the severity of dental injuries. Without a mouthguard, a child may be vulnerable to chipped or fractured teeth, torn lips, cuts along the gums, or trauma to the jaw. A properly fitted mouthguard can even reduce the risk of concussion by absorbing part of the impact before it reaches the head and neck.
Many parents think mouthguards are only necessary for high contact sports such as football or hockey. In reality, many of the most common childhood injuries occur in activities that seem less risky. Basketball, volleyball, soccer, martial arts, and cheerleading all involve fast movement and the possibility of accidental contact. Children who enjoy skateboarding, rollerblading, gymnastics, biking, or trampoline parks can also benefit from mouth protection. Even young athletes in low contact sports can experience unexpected falls or collisions. If your child wears braces, a custom mouthguard is especially important because brackets and wires can cause significant injury to the lips and cheeks during impact.
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Benefits of Custom Made Mouthguards
A custom made mouthguard created by a pediatric dentist offers meaningful advantages over stock mouthguards or boil and bite products sold in stores. These benefits include:
- An exact, precise fit that keeps the mouthguard securely in place
- A comfortable feel that minimizes gum irritation and pressure points
- Effective cushioning to reduce the risk of chipped, cracked, or displaced teeth
- Protection for both upper and lower teeth when forceful contact occurs
- Reduced risk of soft tissue injuries inside the mouth
- Lower chances of brain injury by absorbing part of the shock from impact
- Better support for the lower jaw to help prevent fractures
- Reduced strain on the neck during unexpected collisions
- Less chance of injury to the tongue, cheeks, or lips
- The ability to design the guard to fit around braces or other orthodontic appliances
A professionally designed mouthguard does more than simply cover the teeth. It is engineered with specific thickness and material quality to withstand various levels of impact. While no mouthguard can guarantee that a child will never be injured, using a custom one greatly reduces the severity of injuries that may occur. A comfortable fit also encourages kids to wear the mouthguard consistently, which is essential for reliable protection.
Dr. Stephen P. Moore
Dr. David J. Brown
Dr. Trey K. Anderson
Dr. Amrita Khemka
Dr. Kristal Raya
Dr. Kelsey Martinez
How a Custom Mouthguard Is Made
Custom mouthguards are crafted using detailed impressions of your child’s teeth, which ensures a fit that cannot be matched by store bought options. During your visit, one of our pediatric dentists will take an impression using safe, comfortable materials. This mold captures the exact shape and alignment of your child’s teeth and gums. The impression is then sent to a professional dental lab where a technician fabricates a mouthguard made specifically for your child.
The materials used in custom mouthguards are designed to be durable, flexible, and resistant to tearing. They provide shock absorption while allowing your child to breathe and speak comfortably. A well made mouthguard should never feel bulky or uncomfortable. Because it is shaped precisely for your child, it will feel secure and natural once in place.
Caring for a Mouthguard
Proper care helps extend the life of a mouthguard and keeps your child safe from harmful bacteria. After each use, the mouthguard should be rinsed thoroughly with cool water and cleaned with a gentle brush and mild soap. It should always be stored in a ventilated case to allow it to dry completely and to prevent odor or bacterial growth. Our team will provide guidance on cleaning routines and safe storage practices.
Children should avoid exposing their mouthguard to heat, since hot water or direct sunlight can warp its shape. They should also avoid chewing on the guard, which can damage the material and reduce its effectiveness.
When to Replace a Mouthguard
Even the best mouthguards wear out over time. Signs that it may be time for a replacement include cracks or tears, a loose fit, or changes in your child’s bite due to growth. Since children and teens grow rapidly, their mouthguard may need to be replaced more often than an adult’s. Most young athletes benefit from receiving a new mouthguard each sports season.
Routine dental visits allow us to assess the condition of your child’s mouthguard and determine whether a replacement is needed. Wearing a mouthguard that no longer fits properly can increase the risk of injury, so it is important to ensure the fit remains accurate.
-Elena C.
Schedule an Appointment
ICTeeth Pediatric Dentistry in Wichita and Smile Safari Pediatric Dentistry in Derby are committed to helping young athletes stay protected while doing what they love. A custom mouthguard is one of the most effective ways to prevent dental injuries and give your child the confidence to participate fully in their sport. If your child plays any activity where impact may occur, we welcome you to schedule a visit. Our board-certified pediatric dentists will create a comfortable, protective mouthguard tailored to your child’s unique smile.
