2479 Oakmont Way, Eugene, OR 97401
Protecting Young Smiles On and Off the Field
Youth sports come with plenty of bumps, falls, and unexpected collisions, and a child's mouth is often more exposed to injury than parents realize. A stray elbow, a fall on the court, or contact during a game can easily result in a chipped tooth, cut lip, or worse, if the mouth is left unprotected. A well-fitted mouthguard acts as a cushion, absorbing impact and significantly reducing the risk of dental injury during active play.
While store-bought, one-size-fits-all mouthguards are widely available, they often fit poorly, shift during activity, and can even make it harder for a child to breathe or speak clearly while playing. A custom-fitted mouthguard, made specifically for your child's mouth, offers a far more secure and comfortable fit, encouraging kids to actually wear it consistently rather than leaving it on the sidelines.
At Oakmont Kids, we create custom sports mouthguards designed around your child's unique bite, helping keep their smile protected through every practice and game.
Ask About Custom Mouthguards
Why Custom Mouthguards Matter
Not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection. Custom mouthguards are designed using an exact impression of your child's teeth, resulting in a fit that is far more secure than generic alternatives found at most sporting goods stores. This precise fit matters for several reasons:
- Better Protection: A snug fit distributes impact more evenly, reducing the risk of injury to teeth, lips, and gums.
- Improved Comfort: Custom mouthguards do not shift or feel bulky, making them easier for kids to wear for an entire practice or game.
- Easier Breathing and Speaking: A well-fitted mouthguard allows for more natural breathing and communication during play compared to bulky, ill-fitting alternatives.
- Greater Durability: Custom mouthguards are made from higher quality materials designed to withstand repeated use throughout a season.
- Consistent Wear: Because they are more comfortable, kids are far more likely to actually keep a custom mouthguard in during activity, rather than removing it.
Who Should Wear a Custom Mouthguard?
Mouthguards are not just for contact sports like football or hockey. Any activity with a risk of falls, collisions, or flying equipment can put a child's teeth at risk. Children who may benefit from a custom mouthguard include those participating in:
- Football, hockey, and lacrosse
- Basketball and soccer
- Baseball and softball
- Skateboarding, biking, and other wheeled activities
- Gymnastics and cheerleading
Children who wear braces or other orthodontic appliances may also benefit from a custom mouthguard designed to protect both the teeth and the appliance itself during physical activity.
The Custom Mouthguard Process
Creating a properly fitted mouthguard is a simple process completed in just a couple of visits. Most custom mouthguards are ready within a short turnaround time, allowing your child to get back to their sport with proper protection in place.
01.
Initial Consultation
We evaluate your child's mouth, discuss the sport or activity involved, and determine the appropriate level of protection needed.
02.
Taking an Impression
A mold of your child's teeth is taken to ensure the mouthguard is shaped to their exact bite.
03.
Custom Fabrication
The mouthguard is fabricated based on the impression, resulting in a precise, secure fit.
04.
Fitting and Adjustments
Once ready, we check the fit in your child's mouth and make any small adjustments needed for comfort.
05.
Care Instructions
We provide guidance on how to clean, store, and maintain the mouthguard so it lasts throughout the season.
When to Replace Your Child's Mouthguard
Even a well-made custom mouthguard will not last forever, especially for growing children. As baby teeth are lost and permanent teeth continue to erupt, the shape and fit of a mouthguard can change fairly quickly, sometimes requiring replacement more often than parents expect.
Signs that it may be time for a new mouthguard include visible wear or tearing, a looser fit than when it was first made, or your child expressing that it no longer feels comfortable during play. Bringing your child in for a quick evaluation at the start of each sports season is a good habit that helps ensure their mouthguard is still offering full protection.
Replacing a worn or ill-fitting mouthguard promptly helps avoid gaps in protection right when your child needs it most.
Keep Your Child's Smile Safe This Season
A custom-fitted mouthguard offers comfort and protection that store-bought options simply cannot match. Schedule an appointment with Oakmont Kids to get your child fitted before their next season starts.
Request an Appointment