Sport Guards in Silver Spring: Small Gear, Big Protection for Your Smile

Think about a single play on the field: a quick pass, a sudden collision, a fall you didn’t see coming. In a split second, an unprotected tooth can chip, crack, or even be knocked out. Sport guards—also called mouthguards—are simple, comfortable devices that protect teeth, lips, cheeks, and even reduce the risk of jaw injuries. Whether your child plays soccer in Silver Spring or you spar at a local gym, a custom sport guard is essential equipment.

Why a Sport Guard Matters in Everyday Sports

You don’t need to play varsity football to need a mouthguard. Basketball, soccer, lacrosse, hockey, volleyball, martial arts, and even skateboarding carry a risk of oral injury. A well-made guard absorbs and spreads out the force of a hit so teeth and soft tissues are less likely to be damaged. Mouthguards also protect orthodontic appliances and reduce the chance of emergency dental visits that interrupt school, work, and weekends.

Store-Bought vs. Custom Sport Guards: What’s the Difference?

Boil-and-bite guards from sporting goods stores are better than nothing, but they can feel bulky, loosen during play, or make breathing and speaking harder. If a guard is uncomfortable, athletes simply won’t wear it.

Custom sport guards from CK Family Dental are made from impressions of your teeth. They fit snugly over the upper arch, stay put during intense action, and allow easy breathing and communication with teammates. Thickness and layering are tailored to your sport, so you get protection without unnecessary bulk.

How We Make Your Custom Sport Guard

1) Consultation and Impressions
We discuss your sport, position, and any braces or dental work. Digital or traditional impressions capture the exact shape of your teeth and gums.

2) Lab Fabrication
The guard is crafted from high-performance material in precise thicknesses. Colors and team accents are available so athletes are proud to wear the guard.

3) Fitting and Care Tips
We check retention and edge comfort, then show you how to insert, remove, and clean the guard. You’ll leave with a storage case and written instructions.

Caring for a Sport Guard

• Rinse before and after use; brush gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap.
• Allow to air-dry outside the case to prevent odors.
• Keep away from heat (dashboards and hot water warp guards).
• Bring it to checkups so we can assess wear, especially after orthodontic changes or new teeth erupt.

Evidence and Benefits: What the Research Says

• The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend well-fitted mouthguards for many contact and non-contact sports to reduce dental and orofacial injuries.
• Studies show custom-made guards have higher wear compliance and better retention compared with store-bought versions, which means more consistent protection.
• Properly fitted guards can reduce the severity of soft-tissue injuries and tooth fractures, and they can help shield braces and dental work from impact.

Do Mouthguards Help with Concussions?

No mouthguard can claim to prevent concussions. However, they may help reduce jaw forces transmitted to the skull during impact and protect against dental injuries that often accompany head contact. The primary value is dental and orofacial protection. For concussion prevention, follow sport-specific rules, use appropriate helmets when required, and report symptoms right away.

Special Considerations for Athletes with Braces

Impacts without a guard can push braces into the cheeks and lips, causing cuts and swelling. A custom guard leaves extra space around brackets and wires, offering comfort without compromising protection. As teeth move, we can adjust or remake the guard to match your new alignment so it continues to fit securely.

When Should Kids Start Wearing a Sport Guard?

As soon as organized or recreational sports start to involve speed, contact, or wheels, a mouthguard makes sense. For many kids, that’s elementary school soccer or basketball. Guards are also helpful for playground activities that include climbing or biking. Starting early builds the habit—like wearing shin guards or a helmet—so protection becomes second nature.

Common Questions from Silver Spring Families

Will a sport guard affect breathing or speaking?
A custom fit allows normal breathing and clear communication on the field. Athletes can call plays and instructions without removing the guard.

How long does a guard last?
Most last a full season or longer. Rapid growth, orthodontic movement, or heavy grinding can wear them faster. Bring the guard to checkups so we can evaluate fit.

Can I use my night guard for sports?
Night guards are designed to protect teeth from grinding during sleep; they aren’t built to absorb sports impacts. Use a sport-specific mouthguard for games and practices.

What about store-bought “strap” guards for helmets?
We can add a strap connection point to custom guards for sports that require it, so the guard stays attached when not in use.

Step-Up Protection: Mouthguards for High-Impact Sports

Some sports and positions—like hockey goalies, lacrosse defenders, or martial artists—benefit from layered guards with reinforced zones. We can target thickness where it’s needed most while keeping edges smooth for comfort. For athletes who clench during play, we design guards that protect back teeth, which bear the brunt of biting forces during sprints and impacts.

Cost, Value, and Insurance

Custom mouthguards cost more than store-bought versions, but they fit better, last longer, and are more likely to be worn. Many families find that a single avoided emergency visit more than covers the cost. Some dental benefit plans contribute toward guards for contact sports—ask us to help you review your coverage.

Care Mistakes to Avoid

• Hot water or dishwashers: Heat warps the guard and ruins the fit.
• Skipping cleaning: Bacteria can build up and cause odors or throat irritation. Rinse and brush lightly after each use.
• Leaving it loose in a gym bag: Use the vented case to prevent damage and contamination.
• Not replacing after big changes: Growth spurts, braces adjustments, or a new tooth erupting can alter the fit. If it feels loose or rubs, come in for a check.

If an Injury Happens

Even with a mouthguard, impacts can be intense. If a tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown (not the root), rinse gently if dirty, and try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, store it in milk and call us immediately. Quick action—within 30 to 60 minutes—gives the best chance to save the tooth. For chips or cracks, rinse with water, apply a cold compress, and bring any pieces you can find.

Silver Spring Sports, Protected

From neighborhood soccer leagues to local boxing gyms, our community is active. We design guards that match your sport and season. Need a strap for a helmet? Team colors? Extra room around braces? We’ve got you covered so you can get back to training with confidence.

Small gear, big protection. That’s the power of a well-made mouthguard. To get a custom sport guard tailored to your sport and smile, call CK Family Dental at (301)236-9000 in Silver Spring or book an appointment online today. We’ll help you play hard—and protect your teeth while you do it.