Short answer? Yes. If they’re playing sports, they’re putting their teeth at risk. It doesn’t matter if it’s football, basketball, or wrestling. Injuries happen. One bad hit can cost you a tooth, and a whole lot of money to fix it. That’s why we’re always talking about dental mouthguards in Overland Park before the season starts, not after.
We’ve seen teeth knocked out in casual weekend games. Not just big-league contact sports. Pick-up basketball, tumbling, even cheer. Mouthguards aren’t just for pro athletes.
One Small Guard, One Big Job
It doesn’t take much to protect a smile. A properly fitted mouthguard spreads out the pressure from a fall or impact, so one tooth doesn’t take all the damage. That’s what saves you from cracked enamel, nerve damage, or worse.
You could pick one up off the shelf at the store. But here’s the thing: most kids hate those. They’re bulky, uncomfortable, and they don’t stay in place. That’s why they end up sitting in the bottom of the gym bag. A custom dental mouthguard in Overland Park is molded to your teen’s bite. It fits better, feels better, and they’ll actually wear it.
What About Teens With Braces?
Even more reason to protect their teeth. Braces don’t just shift teeth; they leave metal in the mouth that can cut up cheeks or lips during impact. A hit to the face while wearing braces without a mouthguard? That’s a recipe for bleeding, bent wires, and emergency appointments.
That’s why a teen dentist in Overland Park will usually recommend a mouthguard that fits over brackets. It cushions the impact, keeps hardware in place, and saves soft tissue from injury.
Grinding Teeth at Night? That’s a Different Problem
Some teens aren’t just clenching during games; they’re grinding in their sleep. If your kid wakes up with a sore jaw or if we spot enamel wear, we may talk about dental night guards in Overland Park. These are different from sports guards. Thinner, designed for sleep, and made to protect teeth from constant pressure.
You might not hear them grinding. But we see the signs. And if they’ve already had cavity treatment in Overland Park, grinding only makes it worse.
One Hit Can Set Everything Back
You’ve spent years keeping your kid’s teeth healthy. Braces, cleanings, fluoride, the whole nine yards. Don’t let one accident undo it. A custom dental mouthguard in Overland Park is one of the cheapest, easiest ways to protect that investment.
We’ve seen fractured teeth, dislocated jaws, even tongue injuries, all from simple, preventable hits. Sometimes they come back with tooth pain in Overland Park and need cavity treatment in Overland Park too that started with a fall they barely remember. It doesn’t take much.
Not All Sports Carry the Same Risk, But They All Carry Some
Football and hockey get all the attention, but we see just as many injuries from basketball, soccer, baseball, and even skateboarding. Cheerleaders land wrong. Wrestlers take a knee to their jaw. It’s not just about the sport; it’s about the unexpected.
A sports dentist in Overland Park will take all of that into account when recommending a guard. It’s not one-size-fits-all. And when the fit is right, the protection actually works.
Start With a Custom Fit
If you’re ready to protect their smile, we’ll take a mold of your teen’s teeth and make a guard that fits just right. They’ll be able to talk, breathe, and play like normal, without worrying about what happens if they take a hit.
Dental mouthguards in Overland Park might seem like a small thing. But they save teeth, save pain, and save money down the road.
FAQs
Can my teen wear the same dental mouthguards for multiple sports?
Yes, as long as the fit stays snug and they’re not outgrowing it. We recommend checking each season.
How do I know if they’re grinding at night?
You might not hear it, but we can see the wear on their teeth during checkups. Jaw soreness in the morning is another clue.
Are store-bought guards good enough?
They’re better than nothing, but custom guards fit better and protect better, especially for teens in active contact sports.
Choosing Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for you kiddo! Let’s face it, kids aren’t always thrilled about going to the dentist. That’s why we do everything we can to make it a good experience for both of you. No scary stuff. No rushed appointments. Just kind people, calm vibes, and care that actually makes sense.
When you’re ready, give us a ring at the closest location:
Kansas City: (913) 948-8688
Overland Park: (913) 553-2492
Leawood: (913) 491-5044
Or book online! We’ll help your kid feel comfortable, and make your life a little easier.
