1777 N Bellflower Blvd #213, Long Beach, CA 90815
Every weekend, kids across Long Beach lace up their cleats, strap on helmets, and hit the field. But one question parents often overlook is: does your child’s sports mouthguard actually prevent dental injuries in Long Beach? The answer depends heavily on the type of mouthguard your child wears. Not all mouthguards offer the same protection — and the difference matters more than most people realize.
The Real Cost of Youth Sports Dental Injuries
Sports-related dental injuries are more common than parents expect. The American Dental Association estimates that athletes without mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental trauma. That includes broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and jaw fractures.
These injuries are not just painful. They can be expensive and long-lasting. A single knocked-out tooth may require Root Canal Treatment, dental implants, or other restorative procedures. Protecting your child now prevents far more complex care down the road.
Youth sports in Long Beach — from soccer leagues to youth football — carry real dental risk. Even non-contact sports like basketball and baseball lead to thousands of dental injuries annually. The mouth is one of the most vulnerable areas during athletic activity.
Custom vs. Store-Bought: What Actually Protects Your Child in Long Beach
Walk into any sporting goods store and you will find boil-and-bite mouthguards for a few dollars. They seem convenient. But do they actually work as well as custom-fitted guards?
Store-bought mouthguards offer basic, inconsistent protection. They are often bulky, uncomfortable, and do not fit properly. Kids frequently remove them mid-game because they cannot breathe or speak easily. A mouthguard that sits in a bag offers zero protection.
Custom mouthguards are made from impressions of your child’s actual teeth. They fit snugly and stay in place during impact. Studies consistently show that custom guards absorb and distribute force more effectively than over-the-counter alternatives.
Here is a quick comparison of the two options:
- Store-bought boil-and-bite: Low cost, poor fit, limited shock absorption, often discarded by kids
- Custom-fitted mouthguard: Precise fit, superior protection, comfortable enough to wear the whole game, made by your dentist
- Stock mouthguards: Pre-formed, cheapest option, least effective, not recommended by dental associations
For active kids in Long Beach, a custom mouthguard from Dr. Anthony Mark Saad at Long Beach Dental Health is the most reliable choice. It is built for your child’s unique bite and jaw structure.
Which Sports Require a Mouthguard — and Which Should
Many youth sports leagues in California require mouthguards for participation. Football, hockey, lacrosse, and boxing are common examples. But the requirement list should be much longer.
Dental professionals recommend mouthguards for any sport involving contact, fast-moving objects, or falls. That includes:
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Baseball and softball
- Gymnastics
- Skateboarding and BMX
- Martial arts
- Volleyball
Even recreational activities carry risk. A child falling off a bike without a mouthguard can chip or lose teeth instantly. Parents in Long Beach should treat mouthguards like helmets — non-negotiable gear for active kids.
If your child also wears braces, protection becomes even more critical. Brackets and wires can cause serious soft tissue injuries during impact. Ask Dr. Saad about mouthguards designed specifically for orthodontic patients. Our Orthodontics team can help coordinate the right protection for your child’s treatment stage.
How a Dentist Fits a Sports Mouthguard for Your Child
Getting a custom mouthguard is a simple, comfortable process. It takes just one or two short visits to our Long Beach dental office. Here is what to expect:
- Dental exam: Dr. Saad reviews your child’s teeth, bite, and any active orthodontic treatment.
- Impressions: We take precise molds of your child’s upper teeth. This only takes a few minutes.
- Lab fabrication: A dental lab creates a mouthguard from durable, high-quality material based on the impressions.
- Fitting appointment: Your child tries on the finished guard. We check the fit and make any needed adjustments.
- Care instructions: We explain how to clean, store, and maintain the mouthguard for long-term use.
The entire process is straightforward and stress-free. Kids typically find custom guards far more comfortable than anything they have worn before. That comfort encourages consistent use — which is the whole point.
Mouthguards should be replaced regularly, especially as children grow. Young athletes in Long Beach should have their guards checked at each routine dental visit. A worn or ill-fitting guard may not provide adequate protection anymore.
Protecting Your Child’s Smile for the Long Term
Dental injuries during childhood can have effects that last decades. A chipped front tooth affects your child’s confidence and appearance. A knocked-out permanent tooth creates a gap that needs replacement. Jaw trauma can lead to alignment problems that require extensive treatment later.
Preventing these outcomes is simple with the right equipment. A custom mouthguard is one of the most cost-effective investments in your child’s dental health. It protects not just teeth, but gums, lips, and the jaw joint as well.
At Long Beach Dental Health, Dr. Anthony Mark Saad and our team are passionate about protecting young smiles. We serve families throughout Long Beach with pediatric and general dental care designed to keep kids healthy and confident. Whether your child plays recreational soccer or competitive travel sports, we have the right solution for their needs.
Do not wait for an injury to take action. Schedule a mouthguard fitting today and give your child real protection on the field. Book Now to schedule your appointment with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does your child’s sports mouthguard actually prevent dental injuries in Long Beach?
Yes, but the level of protection depends on the type of mouthguard. Custom-fitted mouthguards made by a dentist provide significantly better protection than store-bought options. They fit precisely, stay in place during contact, and absorb impact more effectively. Children are also more likely to wear a guard that fits comfortably throughout the game.
At what age should my child start wearing a sports mouthguard?
Children should start wearing a mouthguard as soon as they begin participating in organized sports or physical activities with fall or contact risk. This often starts around age five or six. Dr. Saad can assess your child’s dental development and recommend the right guard type at any stage of growth.
Can my child wear a mouthguard if they have braces?
Absolutely. In fact, wearing a mouthguard is especially important for children with braces. Metal brackets and wires can cut the lips, cheeks, and gums during impact. Special orthodontic mouthguards are designed to fit over braces and protect both the hardware and soft tissue. Ask our team about the right option for your child’s orthodontic stage.
How often should I replace my child’s sports mouthguard?
Custom mouthguards should be replaced every one to two years, or sooner if your child’s teeth shift significantly due to growth or orthodontic treatment. Signs that a replacement is needed include visible wear, cracks, changes in fit, or difficulty keeping the guard in place. Regular dental checkups are a great time to have the fit evaluated.
What should I do if my child’s tooth gets knocked out during a game?
Act quickly. Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with water but do not scrub it. Try to reinsert it into the socket if possible, or keep it moist in milk or the child’s saliva. Contact Long Beach Dental Health immediately — a knocked-out tooth has the best chance of survival when treated within 30 to 60 minutes.
