I had not been to the dentist in 7 years. Very thankful for finding this one! Dilworth Family Dentistry has been great. They got me in to my first appointment in a few business days. Then each of my follow ups within two weeks post the initial appointment. Special shout out to Tracy who has made this whole experience phenomenal and easy from start to finish. Highly recommend!
Practice schedules are filling up. And if you’re a sports parent, you probably have questions about keeping your child safe out there. Some of the biggest questions we hear every fall are about our custom mouthguards in Charlotte, NC. So let’s answer the ones parents ask us most.
Call Charlotte Family Dentistry at 704-247-6499 for an appointment.
“Does my child really need a mouthguard?”
Yes, and here’s why. Dentists treat a huge number of sports-related tooth injuries every year. A stray elbow in basketball, a tackle in football, or a header gone wrong in soccer can all end with a chipped or missing tooth.
A mouthguard cushions those hits. Think of it as a helmet for the teeth. It lowers the risk of:
- Teeth that crack, chip, or get knocked out
- Painful cuts inside the mouth
- Injuries to the jaw
- Damage to fillings, crowns, and braces
Even sports without much contact, like gymnastics or skateboarding, can lead to falls that hurt the mouth. If there’s a chance of impact, a mouthguard is a smart idea.
“Can’t I just grab one at the store?”
You can, but you may not get what you pay for. Stores offer two kinds.
Basic one-size guards are the cheapest, but they tend to slide around and feel awkward. Many kids refuse to wear them after the first week. Boil-and-bite guards let you shape them at home with hot water. They’re a step up, but the fit is hit-or-miss, and they lose their shape quickly.
Then there’s the third option: a custom mouthguard from your dentist. It’s built from a mold of your child’s actual teeth, so nothing slips or pinches. It’s easier to breathe and talk with one in, and it lasts much longer. For protection kids will actually use, custom wins every time.
“What if my child has braces?”
Braces make a mouthguard even more necessary, not less. During a collision, brackets and wires can scrape and cut the inside of the mouth. Hard hits can also damage the braces, adding repair visits and costs. A custom mouthguard is designed to fit right over the braces, protecting the teeth, the soft tissue, and the orthodontic work all at once.
“How do we take care of it?”
It’s easy. A clean, well-kept mouthguard stays fresh and works better. Have your athlete:
- Rinse it after each use
- Scrub it gently with a toothbrush and mild soap
- Let it dry in a vented case
- Keep it away from heat and direct sun
- Bring it along to dental checkups
And keep an eye on it. If it gets holes, thin spots, or a loose fit, it’s time to replace it.
“When should we get one made?”
Right now is the perfect time. A custom mouthguard starts with a dental impression, and it takes a bit of time to craft. Booking before the season begins means your athlete steps onto the field protected from day one. Lots of families pair the fitting with their back-to-school dental visit. One trip, two wins.
Have More Questions? Just Ask!
We’re happy to talk through anything else you’re wondering about. If you’re looking for custom mouthguards in Charlotte, our friendly team is just a phone call away. Reach out today to book a fitting, and let’s protect that winning smile all season long.
Call Charlotte Family Dentistry at 704-247-6499 for an appointment. You can also request an appointment online.