Every season, thousands of families across Spokane County pack up their minivans, grab their lawn chairs, and head to the fields. From the muddy cleats of fall football to the squeak of sneakers on a basketball court, youth sports are a defining part of life in the Inland Northwest. But as competition heats up, so does the intensity of play, bringing with it an increased risk of injury.
While most parents wouldn’t dream of sending their child onto the field without a helmet or shin guards, one crucial piece of equipment often gets overlooked or treated as an afterthought: the mouthguard.
It’s easy to grab a generic “boil-and-bite” guard from the sporting goods aisle while picking up new socks. However, when it comes to protecting your child’s developing smile and preventing serious dental trauma, not all mouth protection is created equal. A custom-fitted mouthguard offers superior protection, comfort, and performance benefits that can make or break a season.
Key Takeaways
- Protection: Custom mouthguards offer significantly better shock absorption than store-bought alternatives, reducing the risk of broken teeth and jaw injuries.
- Compliance: Athletes are more likely to wear a guard that fits comfortably without gagging or inhibiting breathing.
- Orthodontics: Custom options are essential for protecting expensive braces and soft tissue during impact.
- Local Expert: Dr. Jason Keefe at 5 Mile Smiles provides professional-grade mouthguards tailored to Spokane’s youth athletes.
Why Custom Mouthguards Matter
In high-impact sports, the mouth is one of the most vulnerable areas of the body. A study by the American Dental Association estimates that mouthguards prevent more than 200,000 injuries annually in high school and college football alone. However, the effectiveness of that protection depends largely on the fit.
The Problem with “Boil-and-Bite”
Store-bought mouthguards, often referred to as “boil-and-bite” or stock guards, are better than nothing, but they have significant limitations. They are made of generic thermoplastic that rarely conforms perfectly to an individual’s unique bite. This results in a loose fit that requires the athlete to constantly bite down to keep it in place.
The Custom Difference
A custom mouthguard is fabricated from an exact impression of your child’s teeth. This creates a vacuum-sealed fit that stays securely in place without clenching. Because it is designed specifically for your child’s mouth, the material can be thicker in critical areas for shock absorption while remaining thinner in less vulnerable spots for comfort.
Dr. Jason Keefe, a restorative and cosmetic dentist in Spokane, emphasizes that a custom fit distributes the force of an impact more evenly across the jaw. This distribution is critical in preventing tooth fractures, avulsions (knocked-out teeth), and soft tissue lacerations.
Benefits of Custom Fits
Beyond safety, a custom-fitted mouthguard provides practical performance benefits that every athlete appreciates.
Improved Breathing and Endurance
A bulky, ill-fitting mouthguard can obstruct the airway, making it harder for an athlete to breathe during intense exertion. When a child has to struggle for air, fatigue sets in faster. Custom guards are streamlined, allowing for optimal airflow and oxygen intake, which can help maintain endurance throughout the game.
Clearer Communication
“I can’t understand you!” is a common frustration between coaches and players wearing stock mouthguards. Because custom guards stay tight against the teeth and roof of the mouth, athletes can speak clearly. This is vital for team sports where calling out plays or warnings is part of the game.
Superior Concussion Prevention
While no equipment can completely prevent concussions, there is evidence suggesting that a properly fitted mouthguard can help reduce the severity of a blow to the jaw. By stabilizing the jaw and absorbing impact energy, a custom guard may help limit the force transmitted to the skull and brain.
Local Sports Spotlight
Spokane is home to a vibrant youth sports community, and safety regulations are evolving to protect these young competitors. Organizations like the Spokane Youth Sports Association (SYSA) facilitate leagues ranging from flag football to soccer, where contact—accidental or intentional—is inevitable.
Local high schools, including those in the Mead and Spokane Public Schools districts, see high participation in contact sports like football, lacrosse, wrestling, and basketball. Even in sports considered “non-contact” like soccer or basketball, elbows and balls can cause significant damage.
It is worth noting that while some leagues provide basic mouthguards, they are often the stock variety. Upgrading to a custom guard is a proactive step parents can take to ensure their child is protected regardless of the baseline requirements of the league. Whether your child is playing at Andrew Rypien Field or competing in a tournament at the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex, their safety gear should be up to the challenge.
The Orthodontic Advantage
For parents who have invested in braces or Invisalign for their children, the stakes are even higher. A blow to the face while wearing orthodontics can be devastating, causing severe lacerations to the lips and cheeks and damaging the expensive brackets and wires.
Generic mouthguards are often incompatible with braces. They can be too tight, hindering tooth movement, or too loose, providing inadequate protection.
At 5 Mile Smiles, Dr. Keefe has extensive experience in both orthodontics and protective dentistry. He can create a specialized mouthguard designed to fit over braces. This not only protects the hardware but also provides a buffer that prevents the metal from cutting into the soft tissues of the mouth during impact. For teens using Invisalign, a custom solution ensures they can protect their teeth during a game without compromising their alignment progress.
Dental Emergency Prevention
The cost of a custom mouthguard pales in comparison to the cost of treating a traumatic dental injury. A single knocked-out tooth can result in a lifetime of dental work, including root canals, implants, and crowns.
According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, athletes who do not wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to damage their teeth. By investing in preventative gear, you are effectively purchasing insurance for your child’s smile.
However, accidents do happen. If your child sustains a dental injury, immediate action is crucial. 5 Mile Smiles offers emergency dentistry services to address trauma quickly. Whether it’s a chipped tooth or a soft tissue injury, having a trusted local dentist who understands sports trauma can make all the difference in the outcome.
FAQ
Q: How long does a custom mouthguard last?
A: For a growing child, a mouthguard may need to be replaced every season or every six months to accommodate new teeth and jaw growth. For older teens with a full set of permanent teeth, a custom guard can last several seasons with proper care.
Q: Can my child wear a mouthguard with Invisalign?
A: Yes, but you should remove the Invisalign trays during the game and wear a custom mouthguard that fits your natural teeth. Alternatively, Dr. Keefe can advise on the best protection strategy for aligner users.
Q: How do I clean a custom mouthguard?
A: Rinse the mouthguard with cool water and a mild soap or brush it with toothpaste after every use. Keep it in a ventilated case to prevent bacteria growth, and never leave it in a hot car, as heat can warp the material.
Q: Is a custom mouthguard expensive?
A: While more expensive than a drugstore option, a custom mouthguard is an affordable piece of protective equipment, usually costing less than a high-quality pair of cleats or a new bat.
Final Thoughts on Youth Sports & Oral Health
As you check off items on your gear list this season—new cleats, fresh jerseys, water bottles—don’t forget the most important protection for your child’s smile. A custom mouthguard is a small investment that delivers big returns in safety, comfort, and confidence on the field.
Dr. Jason Keefe and the team at 5 Mile Smiles have been serving the Spokane community for over 25 years, helping athletes stay safe and smile bright. Don’t wait for an injury to happen.
Protect your MVP this season. Contact us today or call (509) 326-2621 to schedule a quick fitting appointment at our office in Spokane, WA.
