Custom Athletic Mouthguards for Kids and Teens in St. Petersburg, FL

Mouth injuries are among the most common sports-related accidents in children. A properly fitted mouthguard offers a simple, effective way to reduce the risk of broken teeth, jaw injuries, and damage to soft tissues like the lips and tongue. 

Whether your child plays on a team or enjoys solo activities like skateboarding or snowboarding, a custom athletic mouthguard helps protect their developing smile.

We also offer custom occlusal guards (night guards) for teens who grind or clench their teeth during sleep. Both types of mouthguards are designed with your child’s unique needs in mind.

We offer custom athletic and night guards at our pediatric dental office in St. Petersburg, FL.

Why Mouthguards Are Important

Mouthguards are recommended by the American Dental Association for many sports with a risk of facial impact. These include:

• Football
• Basketball
• Boxing
• Hockey (ice and field)
• Lacrosse
• Martial Arts
• Soccer 
• Rugby
• Water polo
• Wrestling

They are also helpful in activities where falls are common, such as:

• Skateboarding
• Gymnastics
• Skiing & Snowboarding

Without proper protection, a sudden collision or fall can lead to chipped or knocked-out teeth, broken braces, or injuries to the lips and jaw. A well-fitted mouthguard cushions the impact and helps reduce the risk of long-term dental trauma.

🦷 Be Prepared: Dental Emergencies Can Happen Anywhere

Accidents happen, even with the best protection. Whether your child takes a fall during a soccer game or wakes up with unexpected tooth pain, knowing what to do in the moment can make a big difference.

We recommend keeping a dental first aid kit both at home and in your car. This allows you to respond quickly to common dental emergencies like:

• A chipped or knocked-out tooth
• Mouth or lip injuries
• Lost fillings or crowns
• Braces-related discomfort
• Toothaches while traveling

If your child experiences a dental emergency, call our office right away at (727) 914-6611. We will talk you through the next steps and make room in our schedule if urgent care is needed.

Types of Mouthguards

There are three main types of athletic mouthguards. They vary in price, quality and comfort. 

• Stock mouthguards: Pre-formed and sold in standard sizes. These provide basic protection but often fit poorly and feel bulky or loose. They can interfere with speaking and breathing and may fall out during activity.
  
• Boil-and-bite mouthguards: Molded at home after being softened in hot water. These offer better fit than stock versions but can still be uneven or uncomfortable. Many children chew through them quickly, reducing their lifespan.
  
• Custom-made athletic mouthguards: Designed by a dentist using a mold of your child’s teeth. These guards are shaped specifically for your child’s bite, allowing for better comfort, protection, and performance.

Benefits of a Custom Mouthguard

While any mouthguard is better than none, a custom-made option offers the best combination of protection, durability, and comfort. 

• Comfortable, secure fit that stays in place
• Allows easy breathing and clear speech
• Durable materials designed to withstand wear
• Reduces the risk of chipped teeth, jaw injuries, and damage to braces
• Customized for children with orthodontic appliances or unique dental anatomy

Getting Fitted for a Custom Mouthguard

Getting a custom mouthguard is quick and easy. Whether the goal is protection during sports or relief from nighttime clenching, the process follows a few simple steps:

1. Evaluation and recommendation: Whether your child is being fitted for an athletic or nighttime mouthguard, we will evaluate their dental health and perform a quick exam to determine the best type of protection for their needs.
2. Impressions or digital scans: We take an accurate mold of your child’s teeth using soft impression material. This step ensures the final mouthguard fits securely, stays in place, and feels comfortable.
3. Custom fabrication: The impression is sent to a dental lab, where the mouthguard is crafted using high-quality, durable materials. Each guard is designed to match your child’s bite, tooth shape, and intended use.
4. Fitting appointment: Once the mouthguard is ready, we schedule a fitting to make sure it sits properly and does not cause discomfort.
5. Instructions and follow-up: We provide detailed guidance on how to wear, clean, and store the mouthguard. During future dental exams, we will evaluate the guard’s condition and fit, making sure it continues to offer reliable protection.

Caring for a Mouthguard

To keep your child’s mouthguard in good condition:

• Brush it gently with toothpaste after each use
• Store it in a clean, ventilated case
• Keep it away from heat and sunlight to prevent warping
• Avoid chewing on or altering the mouthguard
• Bring it to dental checkups so we can inspect the fit and condition
• Replace the mouthguard if it becomes worn, damaged, or uncomfortable

Custom Night Guards for Teens

In addition to sports-related protection, we also provide custom occlusal guards for teens who grind or clench their teeth at night. This condition, called bruxism, can wear down enamel, cause jaw discomfort, and lead to chipped or fractured teeth.

A night guard acts as a cushion between the upper and lower teeth, helping prevent long-term damage. These guards are custom-made to ensure a secure, comfortable fit that does not interfere with breathing or sleep.

Night guards are typically recommended for:

• Teens who wake up with sore jaws or headaches
• Visible signs of tooth wear or flattened chewing surfaces
• Teens under high stress or with disrupted sleep patterns

If you suspect your child may be grinding or clenching during sleep, we can evaluate their bite and recommend a solution to protect their smile.