Athletic Mouthguards

Sports are a great way for children and teens to stay active, build confidence, and develop healthy habits. At the same time, many sports activities, especially contact sports, come with a risk of injury to the teeth and mouth. At Smile Hilliard, Dr. Rachel Sanyk provides free custom athletic mouthguards for kids designed to help protect your child’s smile during play.

An athletic mouthguard acts as a protective barrier, helping reduce the impact of collisions, falls, and accidental contact. Whether your child plays soccer, rides a bike, or participates in other athletic activities, a properly fitted mouth guard can help support both safety and long-term oral health.

Why Athletic Mouthguards Matter

Dental injuries are more common than many families expect. A large percentage of dental trauma is related to sports, and these injuries can affect teeth, gums, and the soft tissues of the mouth.

Athletes may be at risk for:

Chipped or broken natural teeth
Injuries to the lips, cheeks, and tongue
Facial injuries involving the jaw or surrounding structures
Increased risk of jaw pain or bite-related concerns
Potential impacts that may contribute to brain injury

The American Dental Association recommends the use of athletic mouthguards for children and teens involved in a wide range of sports, including soccer, basketball, ice hockey, and martial arts. Even in activities that may seem lower risk, accidents can happen quickly.

Dr. Sanyk often reminds families that prevention is one of the simplest ways to protect a child’s smile during sports.

Benefits of Custom Athletic Mouthguards

While store-bought options are available, custom athletic mouthguards offer a higher level of protection and comfort. A properly fitted mouthguard is designed specifically for your child’s teeth, allowing for a more secure fit during activity.

Benefits of custom athletic mouthguards include:

A secure fit that stays in place during movement
Better protection against impact forces
Reduced risk of injury to teeth and soft tissues
Improved comfort compared to generic options
Easier breathing and speaking during use
Support for overall injury prevention

Because custom mouthguards are designed around your child’s unique smile, they are often considered the most suitable mouthguard option for active children and teens.

Types of Athletic Mouthguards

There are several types of athletic mouthguards available, and understanding the differences can help families make informed decisions.

Common options include:

Stock mouthguards: Pre-formed and ready to wear, but often bulky and less comfortable
Boil-and-bite mouthguards: Softened in hot water and shaped at home, offering a slightly improved fit
Custom mouthguards: Created by a dental professional using an impression of the teeth for the best fit and protection

Custom mouthguards are typically made from durable materials such as ethylene vinyl acetate, which helps absorb impact and provide maximum protection. They are widely used in sports dentistry because of their effectiveness and comfort.

At Smile Hilliard, Dr. Sanyk focuses on custom solutions that support both safety and ease of use.

How Custom Athletic Mouthguards Are Made

Creating a custom athletic mouthguard is a simple and comfortable process that can often be completed during a routine visit.

The process typically includes:

Taking an impression of your child’s teeth
Fabricating a custom-fit appliance in-house based on your child’s bite and tooth structure
Scheduling a follow-up visit to ensure a proper fit and comfort

Once complete, the mouthguard is designed to fit securely over the teeth, providing protection for the teeth and the rest of the mouth during activity.

The team at Smile Hilliard ensures that each mouthguard is carefully fitted so it feels comfortable and functions properly.

Who Should Wear an Athletic Mouthguard?

Athletic mouthguards are recommended for children and teens participating in a wide range of sports and recreational activities. This includes both organized and informal play.

Mouthguards are especially important for:

Contact sports players such as football, basketball, and soccer
Athletes involved in activities like biking or skateboarding
Participants in sports like ice hockey or martial arts
Children and teens involved in travel sports or school athletics

Even athletes who wear helmets with a helmet strap can benefit from additional protection. An athletic mouthguard helps protect areas that helmets alone may not fully cover.

Athletic Mouthguards and Performance

Some athletes worry that wearing a mouthguard may affect breathing or performance. A properly fitted, custom mouthguard is designed to allow for comfortable breathing and normal speech during activity.

Because it fits securely, a custom mouthguard is less likely to shift or feel bulky. This can help athletes stay focused during a game without needing to constantly adjust their equipment.

For many athletes, the added protection provides peace of mind, allowing them to participate more confidently in their sport.

Free Custom Athletic Mouthguards for Children

At Smile Hilliard, we are proud to offer free custom athletic mouthguards for children, a $150 value. This reflects our commitment to protecting your child’s smile and supporting long-term oral health.

Providing a custom athletic mouthguard at no cost helps make injury prevention more accessible for families. Dr. Sanyk and her team believe that protecting your child’s teeth should be simple, effective, and easy to incorporate into their routine.

Caring for Your Mouthguard

Taking care of your mouthguard helps ensure it remains effective and comfortable over time. With proper maintenance, it can continue to provide reliable protection during sports.

Helpful care tips include:

Rinsing the mouthguard after each use
Cleaning it regularly with a gentle cleanser
Storing it in a protective case
Bringing it to dental visits to check for wear or fit
Replacing it as your child grows or if it becomes damaged

Maintaining a clean and properly fitting mouthguard supports both safety and hygiene.

Preventive Care and Sports Safety

While athletic mouthguards are an important part of sports dentistry, they are just one part of a broader preventive approach. Routine dental checkups allow us to monitor your child’s teeth, identify early concerns, and support long-term dental care.

Regular visits help:

Detect early signs of tooth decay or gum disease
Monitor growth and development of the teeth
Provide guidance on maintaining good oral hygiene
Ensure appliances like mouthguards continue to fit properly

Dr. Sanyk encourages families to combine preventive care with protective equipment to support a healthy, confident smile.

Athletic Mouthguards in Hilliard, Ohio

If your child participates in sports or active play, a custom athletic mouthguard can help protect their smile from unexpected injuries. With a comfortable fit and reliable protection, mouthguards are an important part of keeping your child safe during activity.

Dr. Rachel Sanyk and the team at Smile Hilliard are here to help you choose the right solution for your child’s needs. From custom fittings to ongoing care, we are committed to supporting your family’s oral health every step of the way.

We are committed to the best dental solutions for you and your family. Life is complicated. Dentistry doesn’t have to be!

At our office in Hilliard, Ohio, Dr. Rachel Sanyk and the Smile Hilliard team are fully committed to providing our patients with the very best in general dentistry with comprehensive preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and therapeutic services.