Custom Mouthguards in Highlands Ranch
High-Quality Mouthguards for Athletes in Castle Pines
Mouthguards, or sports guards, are an important piece of protective gear for children used for a variety of reasons. They are most commonly used to protect a child's teeth from potential injury when playing sports or other physical activities, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) advocates their usage. Children sometimes wear mouthguards to keep from grinding their teeth at night.
While the primary function of a mouthguard is to protect your child's teeth, mouthguards can also cushion the force of an impact that could affect the central nervous system.
Other injuries that a mouthguard for children in Highlands Ranch can prevent include:
- Tooth fractures
- Cheek, lip, and/or tongue lacerations
- Concussions
- Gum and soft tissue injuries
- Jawbone fractures
Why Your Child Can Benefit From a Custom Mouthguard
Did you know that sports cause nearly half of dental emergencies? A custom mouthguard fits snugly and protects against injury without interfering with game-time performance.
Prevents Injury
A mouthguard covers your child's teeth and soft tissue so they can avoid common sports injuries.
Protects Braces
A mouthguard can cover brackets and wires to protect soft tissues from injury and braces from coming off.
Guards Jaw Joint
A mouthguard also helps to maintain proper jaw joint (TMJ) alignment, protecting your TMJ from injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mouthguards are useful tools for managing bruxism, or teeth grinding, especially in children. At Sierk Children's Dentistry, we frequently recommend mouthguards for children in Highlands Ranch to protect young teeth from the wear and tear caused by teeth grinding. However, some parents worry that these mouthguards might lead to cavities.
The good news is that mouthguards themselves do not cause cavities. Cavities are primarily caused by poor oral hygiene and the accumulation of plaque and bacteria on the teeth. That said, improper care of a mouthguard can contribute to oral health issues.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Proper Cleaning — It's important to clean the mouthguard regularly. Rinse it with water after each use and clean it thoroughly with a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Periodically soaking it in a denture cleaner can also help.
- Dry Storage — Ensure the mouthguard is dry before storing it in its case. A moist environment can promote bacterial growth, which can transfer to your child's teeth and gums.
- Regular Dental Visits — Regular visits to Sierk Children's Dentistry can help monitor your child's oral health and ensure the mouthguard is in good condition.
Contact Our Highlands Ranch Pediatric Dentist Today
If you have any concerns about your child's mouthguard or oral health, don't hesitate to contact us at (303) 865-4066. We are conveniently located in Highlands Ranch and Castle Pines.
As a parent, you may wonder if wearing a mouthguard is safe for your child while their teeth are still growing. Mouthguards for children in Highlands Ranch are designed to protect young teeth from damage due to activities like sports or teeth grinding.
- Safety and Growth — Custom-fitted mouthguards are particularly beneficial because they’re tailored to fit your child's current dental structure, accommodating changes as their teeth grow. This ensures the mouthguard doesn’t impede natural growth or cause any harm.
- Protection — Whether it's for sports or nighttime grinding, a mouthguard provides a cushion that absorbs impact and reduces the risk of broken or chipped teeth.
- Regular Adjustments — As your child's teeth and jaw develop, it's important to have the mouthguard regularly checked and adjusted by our dental professionals.
- Meet with Your Child's Dentist — Always consult with your child's dentist, Dr. Sierk, before getting a mouthguard. We offer expert advice and customized mouthguards for children in Highlands Ranch to ensure optimal safety and effectiveness.
Contact Our Pediatric Dentist in Highlands Ranch
If you have any questions or need to schedule a fitting, please call Sierk Children's Dentistry at (303) 865-4066.
We welcome patients from all surrounding areas, including Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, and beyond.
Now that school has begun, you may have a child participating in sports or other activities that could put their teeth and mouth at risk. That’s why your dentist might recommend a custom mouthguard for your child. So, why is a mouthguard a good idea for your child? Keep reading to find out more.
What Is a Mouthguard?
Quite simply, a mouthguard is a plastic device made to fit snugly over your child’s teeth. The goal of a mouthguard is to reduce the chances of injury to your child’s teeth, gums, and lips. Your dentist can tell you whether your child needs a mouthguard based on their age and activity level.
Benefits of a Mouthguard
If your child is equipped with a mouthguard, you can expect that their chances of oral trauma may be decreased. Incidents of oral trauma can affect your child’s bite and cause other dental issues as well. Oral trauma can include the following:
- Broken teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Knocked-out tooth
- Loose tooth
- Bitten lip or tongue
Need More Information About Mouthguards in Highlands Ranch?
If you would like to schedule a consultation to discuss custom mouthguards, the Sierk Children’s Dentistry dental team is ready to take your call! We can help protect your child’s oral health, so call us at (303) 865-4066 for more information.
Types of Mouthguards: Keep Your Favorite Athlete in the Game
An important consideration when choosing what type of mouthguard is best suited for your child is the degree of protection that is required. Generally speaking, mouthguards fall into three categories: stock, boil-and-bite, and customized.
#1 Stock Mouthguards
Stock mouthguards can be bought off-the-shelf, and they come in a universal one-size-fits-all shape. Usually, stock mouthguards are ready to wear, the least protective, and the least comfortable type of mouthguard.
#2 Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are commonly found in sporting goods stores and conform around the teeth after hot water to soften the material is heated. Once your child bites into the heated plastic, the mouthguard forms around their teeth. These mouthguards offer a bit more protection than stock mouthguards, and they are generally more comfortable in their fit as well.
#3 Custom-Made Mouthguards in Castle Pines
Customized mouthguards are the best way to protect your child's teeth and gums from an injury or wear associated with bruxism. For the most protection available, you can consider a customized mouthguard created at our Castle Pines or Highlands Ranch dental offices. Our custom-made mouthguards for bruxism are specially crafted by Dr. Jon and our team using a mold of the child's unique, individual bite.
Our custom mouthguards in Castle Pines are:
- Comfortable
- Tear-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Made from safe materials
- Help athletes easily breathe and talk
- Used to prevent sports injuries
- Used to reduce symptoms of bruxism
Customized mouthguards can be more expensive than stock or boil-and-bite guards, but they are more comfortable; therefore, they stay in the mouth better.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Jon Sierk
Dr. Jon has been serving the children and families of Colorado since completing his pediatric specialty training in 2003 and is proud to be a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
"I am humbled by the trust our patient families have in the care that my team provides. When a child is in our care, they are treated as if they are one of our own.”
-DR. JON SIERK
After growing up in Bettendorf, Iowa, Dr. Jon graduated from Northwestern University in 1996 where he divided his time between studies ...
Show Off Your Team Spirit
A great way to make your child's mouthguard unique is to customize it with the child's favorite sports team's colors or their school colors. Children will be more willing and excited to make sure they represent their team by wearing a mouthguard in a fresh and fun style. Their new mouthguards will keep them in the game, protect their smile, and give them a chance to show off their team spirit!
Custom Mouthguards in Highlands Ranch and Castle Pines
If your child grinds their teeth or plays sports, perhaps it's time to get them a custom mouthguard from Sierk Children's Dentistry. Our mouthguards are made with kids' mouths in mind, and are comfortable, durable, and affordable. Call us today for more information about custom mouthguards in Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, and Castle Rock. Our dental offices are easily accessible from Lone Tree, Roxborough, Sterling Ranch, and The Canyons.
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