Custom Mouthguards for Children in Voorhees, NJ
When your child experiences a dental injury, prompt, gentle care makes all the difference. Dr. Jeffrey Singer provides expert treatment for chipped, loose, and knocked-out teeth in a comforting environment designed just for kids.
Active kids love playing sports, whether they’re shooting hoops at the local rec center or sliding into home plate during Little League. Every time your child steps onto the field, court, or rink, their smile faces potential danger from collisions, falls, and flying objects. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, 50 to 90 percent of dental injuries involve the maxillary incisors, and many of these injuries occur during athletic activities.
At ABC Children’s Dentistry, we understand how important it is to protect your child’s developing teeth while they enjoy the activities they love. Dr. Jeffrey Singer and our team help families throughout Voorhees, NJ, choose the right protective equipment to keep young smiles safe during every practice and game. With the proper mouthguard, your child can play confidently while significantly reducing their risk of pediatric dental emergencies.
Why Does My Child Need a Mouthguard?
Sports-related dental injuries happen more frequently than many parents realize. Research shows up to 40 percent of dental injuries in children occur during sports activities, and athletes have a one in 10 chance of suffering a facial or dental injury during a single athletic season. Basketball, baseball, soccer, and other contact sports create situations where teeth become vulnerable to trauma from player contact, equipment, or hard surfaces.
Without proper protection, your child risks chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, jaw fractures, and soft tissue injuries to the lips, tongue, and cheeks. These injuries can require extensive treatment, lead to permanent tooth loss, and create long-term dental issues that affect your child’s smile well into adulthood. The financial and emotional costs of treating sports-related dental trauma far exceed the investment in quality protective equipment.
How Does a Mouthguard Protect My Child?
A properly fitted mouthguard acts as a shock absorber, cushioning blows to the face and distributing impact forces away from the teeth and jaw. This protective barrier significantly reduces the risk of broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and injuries to the soft tissues inside the mouth. Studies have shown that the risk of an orofacial sports injury is 1.6 to 1.9 times higher when athletes don’t wear mouthguards.
The protection extends beyond just the teeth. Mouthguards help prevent jaw fractures and reduce injuries to the lips, tongue, and cheeks by providing a protective cushion between the upper and lower teeth. When your child experiences a collision or fall, the mouthguard absorbs and disperses the force that would otherwise damage dental structures. This simple piece of equipment creates a barrier that can prevent injuries requiring thousands of dollars in restorative treatment.
What Types of Mouthguards Are Available?
Three main types of mouthguards offer different levels of protection and convenience:
- Stock mouthguards come pre-formed and ready to wear straight from the package, making them the most affordable option at most sporting goods stores
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards allow some customization by softening in hot water and molding to your child’s teeth, offering better fit and protection than stock versions
- Custom-fitted mouthguards created by a dental professional provide the highest level of protection, comfort, and durability by precisely matching your child’s unique dental anatomy
Whatever mouthguard your child uses, make sure it’s tear-resistant, fits properly and comfortably, and doesn’t restrict speech or breathing. The mouthguard should be easy to clean and maintain throughout the sports season.
The best mouthguard for your child depends on several factors, including their age, the sport they play, and whether they wear braces. Custom-fitted mouthguards offer superior protection because they’re designed specifically for your child’s mouth, ensuring proper coverage and a comfortable fit that won’t interfere with breathing or speaking. While these professional options cost more initially, they provide the most reliable protection and typically last longer than over-the-counter alternatives.
Which Sports Require Mouthguards?
The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for 29 different sports and activities where significant risk of mouth injury exists. Some states and athletic organizations mandate mouthguards for football, ice hockey, lacrosse, and field hockey. However, many other activities carry substantial dental injury risks without requiring protective equipment.
Basketball causes one of the highest rates of dental injuries, with most occurring during player-to-player contact. Baseball and softball players face risks from flying balls and bat contact, with more than 87 percent of dental injuries in these sports resulting from player-object collisions rather than contact with other players. Soccer, wrestling, gymnastics, skateboarding, and volleyball all present situations where your child’s teeth become vulnerable to trauma.
Should My Child Wear a Mouthguard During Practice?
Yes, your child should wear their mouthguard during every practice session and game. Research shows 72.5 percent of dental injuries occur when athletes aren’t wearing mouthguards, and many of these injuries happen during practice rather than competition. Young athletes often practice more frequently than they compete, creating more opportunities for injury during training sessions.
The intensity of practice drills, combined with developing coordination skills in younger children, creates situations where dental injuries occur just as easily as during games. Establishing consistent mouthguard use during practice helps your child develop the habit of wearing protective equipment and ensures they’re protected whenever they’re playing their sport.
How Should I Care for My Child's Mouthguard?
Proper maintenance keeps mouthguards effective and hygienic throughout the sports season. Rinse the mouthguard with cool water immediately after each use, then brush it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste to remove debris and bacteria. Store the clean mouthguard in a ventilated container that allows air circulation while protecting it from damage and contamination.
Check the mouthguard regularly for signs of wear, including tears, holes, or areas that have become thin or loose. Replace mouthguards that show significant wear, don’t fit properly anymore, or have been damaged. For growing children, annual replacement ensures the mouthguard continues fitting correctly as their mouth develops. Never allow your child to chew on their mouthguard, as this weakens the material and reduces its protective capability.
Are There Special Considerations for Young Athletes?
Children with increased overjet (when the upper front teeth stick out more than three millimeters beyond the lower teeth) face higher risks of dental trauma during sports activities. Kids with inadequate lip coverage also experience more frequent dental injuries because their teeth remain more exposed during impacts. If your child has these risk factors, custom mouthguards become especially important for providing maximum protection.
Special needs patients may require modified mouthguards that accommodate unique oral characteristics or sensory sensitivities. We work with families to create protective solutions that address each child’s specific needs while ensuring they can participate safely in athletic activities. Our team considers factors like breathing patterns, speech requirements, and comfort preferences when recommending mouthguard options for children with special healthcare needs.
Protect Your Child's Smile at ABC Children's Dentistry
Dr. Jeffrey Singer has been creating extraordinary dental experiences for children since 2004, helping families throughout Voorhees, Cherry Hill, Marlton, and surrounding communities maintain healthy smiles. Our Disney-themed office environment makes discussing safety topics fun and engaging for young patients, and we’re committed to helping every child understand the importance of protecting their teeth during sports activities.
Don’t wait until a sports-related dental emergency occurs to think about mouthguard protection. Contact our office today to discuss the best mouthguard options for your young athlete. We’ll evaluate your child’s specific needs, explain the benefits of different protection levels, and help you choose equipment that keeps their smile safe during every game and practice.
Meet Dr. Jeffrey Singer
Dr. Jeffrey Singer brings over 20 years of specialized pediatric dental expertise to families throughout South Jersey. As the founder of ABC Children's Dentistry in Voorhees, Dr. Singer combines exceptional clinical training with a uniquely compassionate approach that transforms routine dental visits into positive experiences children actually look forward to.
With advanced training in behavior management and hospital-based sedation dentistry, Dr. Singer provides complete pediatric dental services tailored to each child's unique needs. His expertise extends to treating children with special healthcare needs, ensuring every child receives comfortable, compassionate care in the safest possible environment.
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- 1001 Laurel Oak Rd STE E2, Voorhees Township, NJ 08043
- 856-783-3515
- Mon-Thurs 7:45 AM–4 PM, Fri 7:45 AM–3 PM