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Mouthguards and Sports — Protecting Young Athletes in Fairhope, AL

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Mouthguards and Sports — Protecting Young Athletes in Fairhope, AL

mouthguards

From football fields to gymnastics mats, sports are an essential part of growing up. They build character, teach teamwork, improve coordination, and create lasting memories. But with all that movement and momentum comes risk—especially to one of your child’s most valuable assets: their smile.

At Sweet Water Dentistry in Fairhope, Alabama, we’ve seen firsthand how dental injuries from sports can be painful, costly, and emotionally distressing. The good news? Most sports-related dental trauma is preventable with one simple piece of equipment: a mouthguard.

In this post, we’ll break down why mouthguards are a must-have for young athletes, the different types available, how they help kids with braces, and why a custom mouthguard from a dentist is the best option for long-term protection and performance.

The Risk Is Real: Dental Injuries in Youth Sports

According to the American Dental Association, over 200,000 oral injuries are prevented annually by mouthguards—yet millions of children still participate in sports without one.

Some of the most common sports associated with dental trauma include:

  • Football

  • Basketball

  • Baseball and softball

  • Soccer

  • Wrestling

  • Hockey

  • Lacrosse

  • Skateboarding

  • Gymnastics

  • Cheerleading

  • Biking and scooter riding

Without proper protection, children are at risk of:

  • Chipped or fractured teeth

  • Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth

  • Cuts to the lips, tongue, and cheeks

  • Jaw fractures or dislocations

  • Broken braces, wires, or other orthodontic appliances

These injuries aren’t just painful—they can result in long-term dental complications and expensive emergency care. Some injuries may even require surgery or multiple dental procedures to repair.

What Is a Mouthguard and How Does It Work?

A mouthguard is a soft, flexible dental appliance that fits over the upper teeth (and sometimes lower teeth) to absorb and disperse impact forces. It serves as a buffer between the teeth and any direct blow to the face or jaw.

Benefits of wearing a mouthguard include:

  • Preventing chipped, cracked, or broken teeth

  • Reducing the risk of knocked-out teeth

  • Protecting soft tissues from cuts and bruises

  • Preventing damage to braces or dental work

  • Minimizing the risk of jaw injuries

Whether your child is playing in a contact sport like football or a non-contact sport like gymnastics or skateboarding, a mouthguard is essential protection.

The 3 Types of Mouthguards: Which Is Best?

There are three main types of athletic mouthguards. While all offer some level of protection, they’re not all equally effective.

1. Stock Mouthguards (One-Size-Fits-All)

These are pre-formed, inexpensive guards sold in most drugstores or sporting goods stores.

  • Pros: Cheap and accessible

  • Cons: Bulky, uncomfortable, poor fit, may interfere with breathing or talking

  • Recommendation: Not ideal for serious athletes or children with braces

2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

Available at most sporting goods stores, these are softened in hot water and then molded to the mouth.

  • Pros: More customized fit than stock options

  • Cons: Still can be bulky, may lose shape over time, not ideal for kids with changing dentition

  • Recommendation: Better than stock, but still not the best option for growing athletes

3. Custom-Fit Mouthguards from Your Dentist

These are professionally made using impressions of your child’s teeth.

  • Pros: Best fit, maximum comfort, stays in place, allows for easy breathing and speech, extremely durable

  • Cons: More expensive upfront

  • Recommendation: The best option for young athletes, especially those in high-impact sports or with braces

At Sweet Water Dentistry, we strongly recommend custom mouthguards for children participating in any regular sports activity. The protection and peace of mind are well worth the investment.

Mouthguards for Kids With Braces or Orthodontic Appliances

If your child has braces, space maintainers, or other orthodontic work, a mouthguard becomes even more important. Trauma to the mouth can damage not only teeth but also wires and brackets—potentially setting back treatment and increasing cost.

We offer orthodontic-friendly mouthguards that:

  • Fit comfortably over braces

  • Don’t interfere with tooth movement

  • Provide a buffer between hardware and soft tissues

  • Are made from durable, flexible materials

Your child can continue playing the sports they love while staying safe and keeping their orthodontic progress on track.

Why Choose Sweet Water Dentistry for Custom Mouthguards?

At Sweet Water Dentistry in Fairhope, AL, we’re committed to providing comprehensive, family-centered dental care—and that includes helping protect your child’s smile on and off the field.

Our custom sports mouthguards are:

  • Tailored to fit your child’s mouth perfectly

  • Comfortable to wear—so kids are more likely to use them

  • Designed for easy breathing and clear speech

  • Durable enough for high-contact sports

  • Made in a variety of fun colors and styles

  • Created right here in our Fairhope office

We also work with families to ensure the mouthguard accommodates braces or other unique dental needs.

How to Care for a Sports Mouthguard

A well-maintained mouthguard will last longer and provide better protection. Here are a few tips to help your child keep their mouthguard clean and in good shape:

  • Rinse before and after each use with cold water

  • Gently brush with a toothbrush and mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste weekly

  • Store it in a ventilated, protective case

  • Never use hot water or leave it in direct sunlight—it can warp the material

  • Inspect for tears, holes, or distortion

  • Bring it to each dental checkup for a fit evaluation

If your child is growing rapidly or undergoing orthodontic changes, we may recommend replacing their mouthguard annually.

Keep Your Child in the Game—and Their Smile Intact

Sports are a joyful and rewarding part of childhood—but dental injuries don’t have to be part of the experience. A high-quality, properly fitted mouthguard is one of the best investments you can make in your child’s long-term oral health and confidence.

At Sweet Water Dentistry, we’re proud to help families in Fairhope, Daphne, Spanish Fort, and the Eastern Shorekeep their kids safe, active, and smiling.

Schedule a Mouthguard Consultation Today

Ready to protect your young athlete’s smile?
📞 Call or text Sweet Water Dentistry at 251-210-2773 to schedule your child’s custom mouthguard fitting.

Let’s help your child play hard—and smile even harder.

Visit us for expert care:

Sweet Water Dentistry

Sweet Water Dentistry
📍 5915 Sweetwater Cir, Fairhope, AL 36532
🌐 sweetwatersmile.com
📞 Call or Text: (251) 210-2773

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📱 Call or text 251-210-2773 today to schedule a custom mouthguard fitting at Sweet Water Dentistry.
We’ll help your young athlete stay protected, confident, and ready for anything.

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