Protect Your Child’s Smile with a Sports Mouth Guard

August 14, 2025

By Dr. Camps Team

If your child loves sports, you probably think about the right shoes, uniforms, and safety gear. But there’s one piece of equipment many parents overlook—yet it’s one of the most important for protecting your child’s health: a sports mouth guard.

At Dr. Camps Pediatric Dental Center in Silver Spring, MD, we help parents protect their children’s smiles with custom-fitted sports mouth guards designed for comfort, durability, and maximum protection. Whether your child plays soccer, basketball, football, hockey, lacrosse, or even participates in gymnastics or skateboarding, a high-quality mouth guard is essential—especially for kids with braces.

Why Every Child Athlete Needs a Mouth Guard

Sports are a fantastic way for kids to stay active, develop teamwork skills, and build confidence. Unfortunately, they also come with a risk of dental injuries. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), athletes who don’t wear mouth guards are up to 60 times more likely to suffer damage to their teeth, gums, or jaw during play.

Common sports-related dental injuries include:

• Chipped or broken teeth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Lip and cheek injuries
• Jaw fractures
• Damage to braces or orthodontic appliances

Even in non-contact sports like baseball, volleyball, or gymnastics, accidental collisions can happen. A ball to the face, a fall, or contact with another player can lead to costly, painful dental emergencies.

The Role of a Mouth Guard

A mouth guard is a cushioned, durable device worn over the teeth during sports to absorb and distribute the force of impact. This helps:

• Prevent broken teeth
• Protect lips, cheeks, and tongue from cuts
• Reduce the risk of jaw injuries
• Minimize damage to braces and orthodontic work

The ADA and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that children wear a mouth guard for any sport with a risk of facial contact.

Store-Bought vs. Custom Dentist-Made Mouth Guards

When you search for “mouth guards” online or visit a sporting goods store, you’ll see a variety of inexpensive options. These typically fall into two categories:

1. Stock mouth guards – Ready-made and available in limited sizes. They offer minimal protection and often fit poorly.
2. Boil-and-bite mouth guards – Made from a thermoplastic material you soften in hot water, then mold to your child’s teeth at home.

While these store-bought options are easy to find, they have serious drawbacks:

• They can be bulky and uncomfortable.
• Poor fit makes them more likely to shift or fall out during play.
• They may make breathing and speaking harder.
• They wear out quickly, especially for kids with braces.
• They provide less protection compared to a professional custom-fitted guard.

The Advantages of a Custom Sports Mouth Guard

At Dr. Camps Pediatric Dental Center, we specialize in custom-made sports mouth guards for kids in Silver Spring. These are professionally designed to match your child’s exact bite and dental structure, providing superior comfort and protection.

Here’s why a custom guard is worth it:

1. Perfect Fit

We take a detailed impression or digital scan of your child’s teeth to create a guard that fits like a glove. This means:

• No slipping or shifting
• Easier breathing and speaking
• A comfortable feel that kids are more likely to wear

2. Better Protection

Because the guard covers the teeth and gums precisely, it absorbs and disperses impact more effectively. This reduces the risk of broken teeth, cuts, and jaw injuries.

3. Durability

Custom guards are made from high-quality dental materials that last longer than store-bought versions. With proper care, one guard can last an entire sports season—or longer.

4. Braces-Friendly Designs

If your child wears braces, a custom guard is essential. We design guards that:

• Fit over orthodontic appliances without damaging them
• Allow room for teeth to move during treatment
• Protect both teeth and braces from impact

5. Tailored for Your Child’s Sport

Different sports have different injury risks. We can design a guard specifically for the type of activity your child participates in, offering sport-specific protection.

Why Parents in Silver Spring Trust Dr. Camps

Choosing the right dental provider for your child’s mouth guard is just as important as choosing the right guard. Here’s why local families choose Dr. Camps Pediatric Dental Center:

• Pediatric Expertise – Our team specializes in children’s dental care, so we understand how to make the experience positive, even for kids who are nervous about dental visits.
• Gentle, Friendly Care – We make fittings quick and easy, and we involve parents in every step of the process.
• Experience with Braces – We regularly create mouth guards for kids undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Our office at 12520 Prosperity Drive, Suite 300, Silver Spring, MD 20904 is easily accessible for families in the surrounding area, making it simple to get your child fitted before the next sports season.

The Fitting Process: What to Expect

Getting a sports mouth guard for kids in Silver Spring at Dr. Camps Pediatric Dental Center is simple and stress-free.

1. Initial Visit & Consultation – We’ll discuss your child’s sport, braces status, and any special needs to ensure the guard will provide optimal protection.
2. Impressions or Digital Scans – Using either a comfortable dental impression or a quick digital scan, we capture your child’s exact dental structure.
3. Fabrication – The guard is crafted in a dental lab using high-quality materials designed for durability, comfort, and maximum shock absorption.
4. Fitting Appointment – Once the guard is ready, we’ll check the fit and make any adjustments. Your child will be able to talk, breathe, and drink water easily while wearing it.
5. Care Instructions – We’ll explain how to clean and store the guard so it lasts the entire sports season.

Caring for a Sports Mouth Guard

To make sure your child’s mouth guard stays clean, safe, and effective:

• Rinse it with cool water after each use.
• Occasionally clean it with a toothbrush and mild soap (avoid hot water—it can warp the shape).
• Store it in a ventilated container when not in use.
• Check for wear and tear regularly, especially if your child is still growing or has braces adjustments.
• Replace it if it becomes damaged, loose, or uncomfortable.

When to Replace a Mouth Guard

Even the best mouth guard won’t last forever. You should replace your child’s guard if:

• They outgrow it or complete orthodontic treatment
• It shows cracks, tears, or thinning
• It no longer fits snugly
• Your child starts a new sports season with significant dental changes

Timing Is Everything: Get Fitted Before the Season Starts

Sports seasons often sneak up quickly. The earlier you schedule your child’s fitting, the better. This ensures:

• The guard is ready for the first practice
• There’s time for adjustments if needed
• You avoid the rush and possible wait times before busy sports months

Schedule Your Child’s Mouth Guard Fitting Today

Don’t wait for an accident to remind you about dental protection. Equip your child with a custom sports mouth guard from Dr. Camps Pediatric Dental Center before their next game, practice, or tournament.