Contact sports like football and hockey put your teeth at higher risk of injury, so we recommend wearing a mouthguard every time you play. A mouthguard puts a protective layer over your teeth while you play, which helps protect them if you get hit in the face. Contact sports and teeth grinding can both lead to broken teeth and other mouth problems. Talk with our dentist at Primera Dental about a guard that works for you.

What Are Mouthguards?

A mouthguard is worn over the top teeth during sports to help prevent mouth injuries. It helps protect against broken teeth, injured lips, and other mouth injuries. If your athlete has braces or other fixed dental appliances on the lower teeth, our dentist may suggest a mouthguard for those teeth too. We recommend a mouthguard for any sport with falls, body contact, or flying equipment. This includes team sports like football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and hockey. A mouthguard is also a good idea if your child does skating, gymnastics, mountain biking, or any other active sport that could cause a mouth injury.

How Sports Guards Aid in the Prevention of Impact Injuries?

A dental emergency can end a game fast. If you play a contact sport, ask our dentist about a custom-fitted mouthguard soon.

A custom sports guard helps protect your upper teeth from hits. In football, for example, it helps protect your teeth and gums when you are tackled. In basketball, it helps protect your smile if another player reaching for a rebound accidentally hits 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 help you choose the right mouthguard for your smile and the activities you enjoy. If you or your child wears braces, our dentist may make a mouthguard that covers both the top and bottom teeth. A mouthguard for braces helps keep brackets and wires from cutting 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 well and protects your teeth.

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?

When your child starts playing organized contact sports, such as football, basketball, or hockey, it's a good time to get a properly sized sports guard to help protect their growing teeth.

Are store-bought mouthguards as good as custom ones?

Custom-fitted sports guards are molded to your bite, so they usually fit better and feel more comfortable than store-bought ones.

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.