At a glance
- Participation in sports is fantastic for a child’s health, teamwork, and confidence, but it also carries an inherent risk of dental injuries.
- While you might see mass-produced 'boil-and-bite' mouthguards in shops, they often provide an inferior fit, making it difficult for the child to speak, breathe, or keep the guard in place during intense play.
- The process of creating a custom-fitted mouthguard is simple and efficient.
- A custom-fitted mouthguard is a durable piece of equipment, but it needs proper care to stay in top condition.
- At Dr.
The Importance of Dental Protection
Participation in sports is fantastic for a child’s health, teamwork, and confidence, but it also carries an inherent risk of dental injuries. Accidents can happen in an instant, whether it is a collision with a teammate or a fall, potentially causing cracked, dislodged, or knocked-out teeth. A high-quality mouthguard is an essential piece of equipment that provides a critical layer of protection against these unexpected dental traumas.
At Dr. Amit Sharma Super Speciality Dental Hospital, we believe that prevention is the most important aspect of paediatric dental care. A well-fitted mouthguard acts as a shock absorber, cushioning the impact of a blow to the face and distributing the force across the entire dental arch, which significantly reduces the risk of serious oral injuries that can have life-long consequences for your child's dental health.
Why Custom-Fitted is Best
While you might see mass-produced 'boil-and-bite' mouthguards in shops, they often provide an inferior fit, making it difficult for the child to speak, breathe, or keep the guard in place during intense play. A custom-fitted mouthguard, made by a professional, is designed to match the unique shape of your child’s teeth and jaw perfectly. This superior fit ensures maximum comfort and the highest level of protection.
Because they are custom-made, these mouthguards are much more comfortable to wear, which means your child is more likely to keep them in place during the game. A comfortable mouthguard allows them to focus on the sport, not on their equipment. We take the time to create a bespoke guard that provides an optimal balance of protection, comfort, and durability for your active child.
The Custom Fitting Process
The process of creating a custom-fitted mouthguard is simple and efficient. We will take an impression of your child’s teeth, which acts as a precise mould for the custom device. This allows us to ensure that the final product offers full coverage and fits securely over their teeth, providing the best possible defence. It is a quick and straightforward visit to our clinic.
Once the custom mouthguard is ready, you will return to pick it up, and we will perform a final fitting to ensure it is comfortable and secure. We also provide instructions on how to clean and store the guard properly to ensure its longevity. It is an investment in your child's dental safety that will give you peace of mind whenever they are on the pitch or court.
Expert Advice for Parents
At Dr. Amit Sharma Super Speciality Dental Hospital, we are dedicated to helping families keep their children’s smiles safe. If your child is involved in any contact or high-impact sport, we strongly recommend considering a custom-fitted mouthguard. It is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent serious dental injury and ensure your child’s long-term oral health.
If you would like to book an appointment to have a custom-fitted mouthguard made for your child, please contact our team at 9314403502. We are happy to discuss the best options to suit your child’s needs and ensure they are protected whenever they play. Let us help you keep your child's smile safe, strong, and beautiful while they enjoy all the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Maintenance and Care
A custom-fitted mouthguard is a durable piece of equipment, but it needs proper care to stay in top condition. After each use, it should be rinsed with cold water or a mild soap solution and allowed to air dry completely before being stored in its ventilated case. Never leave the mouthguard in direct sunlight or hot places, as the material can warp and lose its shape.
During your regular dental check-ups, bring your child's mouthguard with you so we can check it for any signs of wear and tear, and ensure it still fits correctly as your child’s teeth and jaw continue to develop. If the mouthguard is damaged or no longer fits well, it will need to be replaced. Protecting your child's smile requires consistent vigilance and maintenance throughout their years in sports.
Questions patients ask us
- Why does my child need a mouthguard for sports?
- Even low-contact sports can result in accidental blows to the face, which can lead to broken, chipped, or even lost teeth. A properly fitted mouthguard acts as a shock absorber, significantly reducing the risk of dental injury and potentially saving your child from painful and expensive long-term dental problems.
- Are custom-fitted mouthguards better than shop-bought ones?
- Yes, significantly. Shop-bought 'boil-and-bite' guards often have a bulky, loose fit that can make it hard for a child to breathe or talk, leading them to take it out. A custom-fitted mouthguard offers superior comfort, security, and protection, ensuring your child actually wears it when it matters most.
- Is it difficult to get a custom-fitted mouthguard?
- Not at all. We take a quick impression of your child’s teeth to create a precise mould. This allows us to craft a guard that fits perfectly and provides the highest level of protection. It is a simple, straightforward, and highly effective way to safeguard your child's smile during their sporting activities.
- How often should I replace my child’s mouthguard?
- As your child grows and their permanent teeth erupt, their mouth shape will change, meaning their mouthguard may eventually become too small or loose. Bring it to your routine check-ups so our team can assess the fit. If it shows signs of damage or no longer fits securely, it should be replaced immediately.
Sources and further reading
Guidance from professional and public health bodies. Clinical decisions here are made on your own examination and radiographs.
- 1.Best practice policies and clinical recommendations — American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- 2.Delivering better oral health — an evidence-based toolkit — Public Health England / OHID
- 3.Oral health — fact sheet and global status report — World Health Organization
- 4.Policy statements and oral health definitions — FDI World Dental Federation
- 5.Dental health — conditions, treatments and patient guidance — NHS (UK)
- 6.Systematic reviews of oral and dental interventions — Cochrane Oral Health
- 7.Regulatory framework and dental education standards in India — Dental Council of India
When to see us
Get examined without waiting if any of the following applies to you:
- Facial swelling, fever or refusal to eat or drink in a child — seek same-day care
- Dental injury to a child's tooth, especially if it is displaced or knocked out
- A dark or discoloured tooth, or a lump on the gum above a tooth
Get a written plan and cost before you commit
If this is what you are dealing with, the next step is a consultation with radiographs — children's dentistry cases are seen by the specialist who handles that field. You get a written plan and staged cost before anything begins.
reception@dramitsharmahospital.comThis article is general education and does not replace an in-person examination, radiographs or a diagnosis by a qualified dentist.
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