Sports Guard

Contact sports, such as football or hockey, place you at a higher risk of dental harm, which is why we urge that you always wear a mouthguard when playing. Mouthguards protect your teeth by placing a protective layer over them when you play contact sports. That way, if you were hit in the face, your teeth will still be intact. Because both contact sports and teeth grinding put you at risk for tooth fractures and other oral health issues, you should consult with our dentist at Primera Dental about acquiring a teeth guard that works for you.

What Are Mouthguards?

During sports, mouthguards are worn across the top row of teeth to assist avoid oral injuries. They guard against broken teeth, damaged lips, and other mouth injuries. If your athlete has braces or fixed dental appliances on the lower jaw, the dentist may advise him or her to wear a mouthguard to protect these teeth as well. Mouthguards are required sporting equipment for anyone participating in a sport that involves falls, body contact, or flying equipment. This advice applies to team sports including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and hockey. A mouthguard is also required if your child participates in skating, gymnastics, mountain biking, or any other strenuous activity that could result in a mouth injury.

How Sports Guards Aid in the Prevention of Impact Injuries?

Nothing disrupts a game more than the need for an emergency dentist. If you participate in a contact sport, you should consult with our dentist about acquiring a fitted mouthguard as soon as feasible.

Upper teeth are protected from impact injuries with a bespoke sports guard. A football mouth guard, for example, protects your teeth and gums if you are attacked by a guy. A basketball mouth guard, on the other hand, protects your smile if another player raises their arms to grab a rebound and accidentally knocks you in the mouth.

Mouthguards can also be worn in non-contact sports, such as ice skating, where there is still a risk of injury. Our dentist will assist you in determining the finest mouth guard for your smile and the activities you enjoy. If you or your child wears braces, our dentist may design a mouth guard that covers both the top and lower teeth. A braces mouth guard prevents brackets and wires from cutting into your gums, cheeks, or tongue.

Caring for Your Sports Guard

Rinse your sports guard with cool water before and after each use, and clean it occasionally with a soft toothbrush. Store it in a ventilated case to keep it clean and prevent damage between games or practices. Avoid leaving it in a hot car or in direct sunlight, since heat can distort the shape and affect the fit. Growing athletes and anyone whose bite changes over time should have their sports guard checked periodically by our dentist to make sure it still fits properly and offers full protection.

Insurance & Financing Options

Primera Dental accepts Medi-Cal, and we also offer flexible payment plans through Cherry to help fit a custom sports guard within your budget. Reach out to our office and our team will be happy to review your coverage and payment options with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should my child start wearing a sports guard?

As soon as your child begins playing organized contact sports, such as football, basketball, or hockey, they should be fitted with a properly sized sports guard to protect their developing teeth.

Are store-bought mouthguards as good as custom ones?

Custom-fitted sports guards from our office offer better protection, comfort, and fit than generic store-bought options, since they're molded to your exact bite.

How long does a sports guard last?

With proper care, a sports guard typically lasts one to two seasons, though growing children and teens may need to be refitted more often.

Does Primera Dental accept Medi-Cal for sports guards?

Yes, we accept Medi-Cal and also offer Cherry payment plans to help make treatment affordable.

Do you serve patients outside of Lynwood?

Yes, we welcome patients from Lynwood, South Gate, Compton, Paramount, Downey, Bell, Bell Gardens, Huntington Park, Cudahy, and surrounding communities.