Protecting Young Athletes: The Essential Guide to Custom Athletic Mouthguards in Fort Collins

Why Athletic Mouthguards Matter for Young Athletes

Dental injuries account for a significant percentage of all sports-related injuries among children and teenagers. The American Dental Association reports that athletes are 60 times more likely to sustain damage to their teeth when not wearing a mouthguard. These injuries can happen in any sport, even those traditionally considered low-contact.

Young athletes face unique risks because their teeth and jaws are still developing. A traumatic injury during these formative years can affect not only their current smile but also their long-term oral health. Permanent teeth that are knocked out or damaged may require decades of ongoing dental care, including root canals, crowns, bridges, or dental implants.

The financial impact extends far beyond the initial emergency visit. Replacing a single knocked-out tooth can cost thousands of dollars over a lifetime. When you consider that a custom mouthguard provides reliable protection for multiple seasons, the investment becomes clear.

Store-Bought vs. Custom Athletic Mouthguards

You might wonder whether a store-bought mouthguard offers adequate protection for your child. While these generic options are better than no protection at all, they fall short in several important ways.

Store-bought mouthguards use a one-size-fits-all approach that rarely provides a secure, comfortable fit. They often feel bulky in the mouth, making it difficult for athletes to breathe properly, communicate with teammates, or stay hydrated during games. Many young athletes end up removing ill-fitting mouthguards during play, which eliminates their protective benefit entirely.

Custom athletic mouthguards from Holmes Dental are created specifically for your child’s mouth. We take precise impressions of their teeth and create a mouthguard that fits securely and comfortably. This personalized approach ensures better protection, improved comfort, and greater compliance during sports activities.

The Custom Mouthguard Process at Holmes Dental

Creating a custom athletic mouthguard involves a straightforward process that prioritizes your child’s comfort and safety. During the initial appointment, our team takes detailed impressions of your child’s teeth and bite. These impressions capture the unique contours of their mouth, ensuring a precise fit.

We then craft the mouthguard using high-quality materials designed to absorb and distribute impact forces effectively. The thickness and design are tailored to your child’s specific sport and level of contact risk. Football players, for example, may need additional protection compared to baseball players.

The finished mouthguard undergoes careful quality checks before your child’s fitting appointment. During this visit, we ensure proper fit, comfort, and retention. We also provide instructions for proper care and maintenance to help the mouthguard last throughout the sports season and beyond.

Benefits Beyond Basic Protection

Custom athletic mouthguards offer advantages that extend beyond preventing knocked-out teeth. They help reduce the risk of jaw fractures, concussions, and soft tissue injuries to the lips, tongue, and cheeks. The secure fit allows for normal breathing and speaking, which supports athletic performance and team communication.

Many young athletes report feeling more confident on the field when wearing a properly fitted mouthguard. This psychological benefit can translate to improved focus and performance during games and practices. Parents also experience peace of mind knowing their child has professional-grade protection.

The durability of custom mouthguards makes them a smart long-term investment. With proper care, a well-made custom mouthguard can last multiple seasons, providing consistent protection as your child grows and develops their athletic skills.

Caring for Your Child’s Athletic Mouthguard

Proper maintenance ensures your child’s mouthguard remains effective and hygienic throughout the sports season. After each use, the mouthguard should be rinsed with cool water and cleaned with a toothbrush and mild soap. Avoid hot water, which can distort the material and affect the fit.

Store the mouthguard in a ventilated container to allow proper air circulation and prevent bacterial growth. Check regularly for signs of wear, such as tears, thinning areas, or changes in fit. Bring your child in for periodic evaluations to ensure the mouthguard continues to provide optimal protection.

As your child grows, their mouth changes too. We recommend annual evaluations to determine whether adjustments or replacement are needed. Growing athletes may need new mouthguards more frequently to maintain proper fit and protection.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

Despite the best protective equipment, dental emergencies can still occur. If your child experiences a dental injury during sports, contact Holmes Dental immediately. We provide emergency dental services and understand that sports injuries require prompt attention.

Signs that warrant immediate dental care include knocked-out teeth, visible cracks or chips, bleeding from the mouth, or persistent pain after an impact. Quick response can often save damaged teeth and prevent more extensive treatment later.

Protecting Smiles for a Lifetime

Your child’s participation in sports builds character, friendships, and healthy habits that last a lifetime. Protecting their smile with a custom athletic mouthguard ensures that sports remain a positive part of their development. We believe every young athlete deserves protection that matches their dedication and enthusiasm.

Contact Holmes Dental today to schedule a consultation for a custom athletic mouthguard.