Participating in sports during childhood fosters teamwork, physical fitness, and confidence. However, protecting your child’s precious smile during athletic activities requires proper dental protection. Custom-fit mouthguards designed specifically for young athletes offer the best defense against sports-related dental injuries, which account for a significant percentage of dental emergencies in children.
Little Roots Pediatric Dental in Nassau County provides professional-grade mouth protection tailored to your child’s unique dental needs. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Jessica Barzideh, a board-certified pediatric dentist, and Dr. Sunaina Vohra, our practice specializes in creating comfortable, effective mouthguards that safeguard developing teeth during all types of youth sports activities.
Why Pediatric Mouthguards Are Essential
Sports-related dental trauma can have lasting consequences for children and adolescents. When a child loses a permanent tooth during athletic activities, it can lead to complex dental issues throughout their lifetime. A properly fitted sports mouthguard absorbs shock, protects against cuts to soft tissue, and dramatically reduces the risk of knocked-out or broken teeth during contact sports and other physical activities.
The developing mouths of children require special consideration when creating protective devices. Unlike adult mouths, pediatric dental structures are constantly changing as baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth emerge. This makes store-bought, one-size-fits-all mouthguards significantly less effective for young athletes. Our custom-made mouthguards are designed to account for your child’s specific oral development stage, providing superior protection during this critical growth period.
Advantages of Custom Mouthguards vs. Store-Bought Options
The difference between custom-fit and off-the-shelf mouthguards is substantial. Store-bought boil-and-bite mouthguards often provide inadequate coverage, frequently feel bulky, and can make breathing and speaking difficult during play. Children often remove uncomfortable mouthguards, leaving them completely unprotected during critical moments.
Our custom-made sports guards at Little Roots are created using pressure-laminated materials that offer superior shock absorption while maintaining a comfortable, precisely tailored fit. These professional-grade mouthguards allow for normal breathing and clear communication during play, essential factors for young athletes focused on their performance. Additionally, custom mouthguards tend to last longer than store-bought alternatives, providing better value over time despite the higher initial investment.
Protection for Children with Braces
For young athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment, specialized mouthguards become even more crucial. Standard mouthguards may not fit properly over braces, leaving both the orthodontic appliances and the teeth vulnerable to damage. At Little Roots, we design custom mouthguards specifically for kids with braces that protect both their orthodontic investment and their developing teeth.
These specialized guards feature additional space to accommodate brackets and wires while maintaining protective integrity. Should an impact occur, the mouthguard distributes force evenly, protecting both the orthodontic hardware and the teeth underneath. This dual protection is particularly valuable considering the significant financial investment orthodontic treatment represents.
The Custom Mouthguard Process at Little Roots
Creating a pediatric sports mouthguard at our Nassau County office involves a straightforward process designed with your child’s comfort in mind. Our caring team makes the experience positive and engaging, helping children understand the importance of protecting their smiles during sports.
The process begins with digital impressions of your child’s teeth, eliminating the discomfort sometimes associated with traditional impression materials. These precise measurements allow us to create a mouthguard that fits perfectly against your child’s unique dental anatomy. Depending on your child’s needs, we can adjust the thickness of the material and design elements to match specific sports requirements—thicker for high-contact sports like football and hockey, or slightly thinner for basketball and soccer.
Personalization Options for Young Athletes
Children are more likely to consistently wear protective equipment when they feel a sense of ownership and pride in their gear. At Little Roots, we make the mouthguard creation process fun by offering various color options and design elements. Young athletes can choose team colors or vibrant combinations that reflect their personality.
This personalization does more than create an aesthetically pleasing mouthguard—it significantly increases the likelihood that your child will actually wear their protective device during every practice and game. Additionally, distinctive colors make it easier to spot a mouthguard left on the bench or in a gym bag, reducing replacement frequency due to lost guards.
Proper Care and Maintenance
A well-maintained mouthguard provides better protection and lasts longer. We educate both parents and young athletes on proper care techniques, including regular cleaning with cool water and mild soap after each use. We also provide a ventilated carrying case that allows the mouthguard to dry properly between uses, preventing bacterial growth and maintaining material integrity.
Periodic evaluations of your child’s mouthguard are essential as their mouth continues to develop. As children lose primary teeth and permanent teeth emerge, their mouthguard may need adjustments or replacement. We recommend bringing your child’s mouthguard to their regular dental check-ups at Little Roots so we can assess whether it continues to provide optimal protection.
Schedule Your Child’s Mouthguard Fitting Today
Your child’s smile is precious, and protecting it during sports activities should be a priority for every parent. At Little Roots Pediatric Dental in Nassau County, Dr. Jessica Barzideh combines her board-certified expertise with a genuine passion for pediatric dental safety to create custom mouthguards that offer superior protection and comfort.
Don’t wait for a dental emergency to occur during your child’s next game or practice. Contact our Nassau County office today at (516) 814-9803 or fill out our contact form to schedule a custom mouthguard fitting appointment. Our child-friendly environment and specialized approach ensure your young athlete will receive the best possible protection for their developing smile.
