Nightguards/Sportsguards – McKinney, TX

Why Choose Sprout Dentistry for Kids for Nightguards/Sportsguards?

• Dentists certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
• Customized mouth protection for individual dental needs
• Optimal comfort and proven results

The Purpose of Nightguards and Sportsguards

If you’ve heard the term “mouthguard,” you probably are aware of the different varieties available. Oftentimes, the wording is interchangeable, but at Sprout Dentistry for Kids, we offer nightguards and sportsguards.

Nightguards

A common problem among young people, especially children, is teeth grinding. Also known as “Bruxism,” this bad dental habit occurs for many reasons, but some of the most common include:

• Stress
• Abnormal bite
• Missing or crooked teeth
• Sleep apnea

If you notice your child grinding their teeth while they sleep, it is in their best interest (and yours) to call our office and schedule an appointment to have them examined for a possible nightguard. When teeth grinding is left untreated, it can lead to excessive wear and tear on their teeth, as well as problems with jaw pain (TMJ/TMD). A nightguard can be crafted to fit their mouth, accordingly, keeping their top and bottom teeth from coming into contact with each other while they sleep.

Sportsguards

If you are the parent of a child or teen who is active in sports, you probably find yourself in the stands cheering them on as well as wincing with every tackle or near-miss of a flying soccer ball. To protect your child’s mouth from damage and injury, it is suggested that they wear a sportsguard. Contact sports aren’t the only way they can injure their teeth, gums, or soft tissues. Tennis, baseball, and even basketball often can result in bloodied gums and broken or lost teeth. By wearing a sportsguard, your child will be protected, and you can feel more at ease while watching them play a sport they love.

How to Tell if Your Child is a Good Candidate

Almost all children who play sports can and should wear a sportsguard; however, depending on the symptoms your child displays, they may or may not be a candidate for a nightguard. If any of the following signs are being exhibited by your child, make an appointment with Dr. Justin or Dr. Sage to discuss your child’s treatment options:

• Frequent headaches
• Facial pain or those associated with TMJ
• Sensitivity to cold foods or beverages, as this could be thinning of the enamel
• Excessive wear and tear of the teeth
• Tight or painful jaw muscles
• Lower jaw swelling from teeth clenching
• Tooth cracks or chips

Benefits of Protective Oral Appliances

As a parent, you don’t want to keep your child from playing their favorite sport. You also don’t want their teeth to be damaged by a powerful impact or harmful grinding. By choosing pediatric dentistry in McKinney to customize your child’s oral appliance, you are taking the appropriate steps to protect their teeth, and ultimately their oral and overall health.

Some of the benefits that come with your child wearing a nightguard or sportsguard include:

• Teeth protection: Whether it’s teeth grinding or clenching, or playing sports, both of these appliances will give their teeth the protection they need to minimize or prevent damage or injury.
• Protection against fracture and other damage: A sportsguard can actually work to protect from root, bone, and jaw damage.
• Healthier teeth, longer: By reducing the amount of grinding or clenching, this reduces the wear and tear, and thinning of the tooth enamel. Your child will have healthier teeth that last longer, as a result.
• Customized appliances: Every child’s dental needs are different, which means you cannot depend on a one-size-fits-all appliance found in your local drug store. It’s important to make sure your child is fitted with a custom-made oral appliance to ensure they receive the greatest amount of comfort and protection.
• Improved breathing while wearing a protective mouthguard: Generic over-the-counter mouthguards are usually bulkier and more restrictive of airflow, which can fatigue your star athlete faster while they are competing in their favorite sport.