Why does my child need a mouthguard?

Mouthguards protect your child’s teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue during contact sports or from nighttime grinding.

What is the difference between a custom and store-bought mouthguard?

Custom mouthguards offer a better fit, comfort, and protection compared to over-the-counter boil-and-bite or stock versions.

How long does a pediatric mouthguard last?

A mouthguard should be evaluated yearly, especially as children grow and their teeth shift. Replacements may be needed more frequently for active children.

Can mouthguards help with teeth grinding at night?

Yes, night guards can help prevent wear from bruxism and reduce strain on the jaw joint.

Pediatric Mouthguards in San Jose

We offer custom-fitted mouthguards to protect your child's teeth during sports and other physical activities.

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How it Works

What Are Pediatric Mouthguards?

Pediatric mouthguards are protective devices worn over the teeth to prevent injury during sports or activities where there is a risk of dental trauma. They are especially important for children with a high risk of falls or collisions in contact sports or activities.

Mouthguards for children are also designed to protect their teeth from habits like teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Many individuals with this condition are unaware of it, as it often occurs during sleep.

While stress is a common cause of teeth grinding in adults, it is not always the case for children. Other potential causes of teeth grinding in children include allergies, earaches, mouth irritation, hyperactivity, and poorly aligned teeth. Bruxism in children is often multifactorial, making it important to understand possible causes to determine effective treatments.

Signs that your child may be grinding their teeth include a sore jaw, dull headaches, fractured, chipped, or broken teeth, toothaches, and loose teeth. Detecting these symptoms early can lead to early diagnosis and treatment. Although mouthguards for children do not treat teeth grinding, they do help reduce the forces on the teeth during sleep, minimizing damage.

The most effective way to permanently address bruxism is by identifying and addressing its underlying cause. For instance, orthodontic treatments can correct teeth grinding caused by a bad bite. Early intervention to address the root cause of bruxism can ultimately save parents money and time over the long term.

What Types of Mouthguards are Best for Kids?

There are several types of mouthguards available for kids at Pediatric Dentistry of San Jose, including:

Stock mouthguards are affordable pre-made mouthguards in standard sizes in different colors, San Jose, CA

Stock mouthguards: These are pre-made and come in standard sizes. While they are the most affordable option, they may not provide the best fit or protection.

Colorful boil-and-bite pediatric mouthguards offer molded fit, in San Jose, CA

Boil-and-bite mouth guards: These are softened in hot water and then molded to fit your child's teeth. They offer a better fit than stock mouthguards but are not as precise as custom-fitted mouthguards.

A perfect fit pediatric mouthguard in a white container offering best protection, San Jose, CA

Custom-fitted mouth guards: These are made by your dentist to fit your child's teeth perfectly. They offer the best fit, comfort, and protection.

Stock mouthguards: These are pre-made and come in standard sizes. While they are the most affordable option, they may not provide the best fit or protection.

Benefits of Mouthguards

Protection: Mouthguards protect the teeth from injuries such as chipped or broken teeth, tooth loss, and soft tissue damage.

Prevention of concussion: Mouthguards can reduce the risk of concussion by absorbing and dispersing the impact of a blow to the face or head.

Comfort: Custom-fitted mouthguards are comfortable to wear and do not interfere with breathing or speaking.

Based in San Jose

Where to Get Fitted for Mouthguards in San Jose

Pediatric Dentistry of San Jose offers custom-fitted mouthguards for children of all ages, whether for sports or for teeth grinding. Our experienced team will take impressions of your child's teeth to create a mouth guard that fits perfectly and provides optimal protection.

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Pediatric Mouthguards in San Jose

What Are Pediatric Mouthguards?

What Types of Mouthguards are Best for Kids?

Benefits of Mouthguards

Where to Get Fitted for Mouthguards in San Jose

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