Fall sports bring practices, games, and plenty of competition for student-athletes in Seguin, TX. Whether your child plays football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, or another sport, protecting their teeth should be part of preparing for the season. At Tier One Dental, we can help young athletes protect their smiles with custom sports mouthguards designed for a secure, comfortable fit.
Sports-related impacts can lead to chipped, cracked, loosened, or knocked-out teeth. An injury can also affect the lips, gums, tongue, and jaw. Wearing a sports mouthguard provides a protective barrier that helps absorb and distribute forces from contact with another player, equipment, or the ground.
Mouthguards are especially important for contact and collision sports, but dental injuries can occur in many athletic activities. Parents of student-athletes in Seguin should consider mouth protection anytime there is a risk of impact to the face.
Sports where a mouthguard may be beneficial include:
• Football and flag football
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Volleyball
• Baseball and softball
• Wrestling
• Martial arts
• Hockey and other high-contact activities
While boil-and-bite or stock mouthguards are readily available, they may not provide the same personalized fit as a custom sports mouthguard. Poorly fitting mouthguards can feel bulky, move around during activity, or make it harder to speak and breathe comfortably.
A custom mouthguard is made to fit the athlete's individual teeth and bite. The closer fit can help the appliance remain comfortably in position during practices and competition. This is particularly useful for student-athletes who need reliable protection without unnecessary distraction on the field or court.
Children and teenagers are still experiencing changes to their teeth and jaws. Because of this, it is important to evaluate mouthguard fit regularly, particularly after dental treatment or noticeable growth.
At Tier One Dental, we provide family dental care in Seguin and can evaluate your child's teeth before recommending an appropriate mouthguard. Regular dental exams also give us an opportunity to identify cavities, damaged teeth, gum concerns, and other issues that may need attention before the sports season becomes busy.
A mouthguard should be checked throughout the season for signs of wear. Biting and grinding can gradually affect its shape, and changes in a growing athlete's mouth can alter the fit.
If the mouthguard becomes torn, uncomfortable, loose, or difficult to keep in place, it may be time for a replacement. Student-athletes should also bring their mouthguard to dental appointments so we can check how well it continues to fit.
Before your student-athlete takes the field this fall, schedule a dental exam with Tier One Dental and ask about a custom sports mouthguard designed for a secure, comfortable fit. Contact our office in Seguin, TX, by calling (830) 410-8228 to book an appointment.