Growing smiles deserve protection at every stage of development. For children and teens, that protection may include a sports guard during athletic activity or a night guard when nighttime grinding begins to affect the teeth, jaw, or overall comfort.
At Kelly Family Dentistry in Franklin, TN, we provide custom night guards and sports mouthguards for patients of all ages. These appliances are designed to help protect teeth from two common risks: impact during sports and pressure from grinding or clenching during sleep. Whether your child is active on the field, court, mat, or rink, or you have noticed signs of grinding at night, our team can help you understand when a custom guard may be appropriate.
This Article Will Address:
- Why kids may need mouthguards for sports
- How sports guards help protect teeth, lips, cheeks, and jaws
- The difference between store-bought and custom mouthguards
- Whether kids can grind their teeth at night
- Signs a child may need a night guard
- How custom guards support growing smiles
- When to schedule a visit with Kelly Family Dentistry in Franklin, TN
Why Are Sports Guards And Night Guards Important For Growing Smiles?
Children’s and teens’ smiles are still developing, which makes protection especially important. A dental injury during sports can affect more than the appearance of a tooth. It can also lead to pain, emergency dental needs, restorative treatment, or long-term oral health concerns.
Sports guards help cushion the teeth, gums, lips, cheeks, and jaw during physical activity. They are commonly recommended for children who play contact sports, but they may also be helpful for activities where falls, collisions, or accidental impact can happen.
Night guards serve a different purpose. They are worn during sleep to help protect teeth from grinding or clenching, also called bruxism. Over time, grinding can contribute to worn enamel, chipped teeth, tooth sensitivity, jaw soreness, and morning discomfort.
As part of our approach to preventative dental care, Kelly Family Dentistry helps families in Franklin, TN understand whether a sports guard, night guard, or another protective dental option may be right for their child.
Do Kids Need Mouthguards For Sports?
Yes, many kids and teens should wear mouthguards for sports. A mouthguard may be recommended any time a child participates in an activity where contact, falls, fast movement, or accidental impact could occur.
Sports guards may be helpful for children and teens involved in:
- Football
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Baseball or softball
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Martial arts
- Gymnastics
- Skateboarding
- Biking
- Cheerleading
- Wrestling
- Volleyball
Even sports that are not considered high-contact can still carry dental injury risks. A fall, elbow, ball, or collision can cause chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, soft tissue injuries, jaw trauma, or damage to orthodontic appliances.
A properly fitted sports guard helps absorb impact and creates a protective barrier for the smile. For children with braces or other orthodontic appliances, a mouthguard can be especially important because the brackets and wires may increase the risk of cuts to the lips or cheeks during impact.
What Is The Difference Between A Sports Guard And A Night Guard?
A sports guard and a night guard may look similar, but they are designed for different situations. A sports guard is worn during athletic activity. A night guard is worn during sleep.
Sports Guards Protect Smiles During Physical Activity
Sports guards are designed to cushion the mouth from impact. They help protect the teeth, gums, lips, cheeks, and jaw when a child is playing sports or participating in physical activities.
A custom sports guard is made to fit the patient’s mouth more closely than a standard store-bought option. This can make it easier for a child to breathe, speak, and keep the guard in place during activity.
Night Guards Protect Teeth From Grinding And Clenching
Night guards are designed to protect the teeth while a child sleeps. If a child grinds or clenches at night, the guard creates a barrier between the upper and lower teeth. This can help reduce tooth wear and limit pressure on the jaw.
A child may need one type of guard or, in some cases, both. For example, a teen athlete who plays sports and also grinds at night may benefit from separate appliances because each guard is made for a different purpose.
What Is The Difference Between Store-Bought And Custom Mouthguards?
Store-bought mouthguards may be easy to find, but they are not always the best fit for a growing smile. A poor fit can make a guard uncomfortable, bulky, or difficult to keep in place. If a child does not like wearing the guard, they may be less likely to use it consistently.
Custom mouthguards are made to fit the patient’s teeth and bite more closely. This can improve comfort, stability, and protection.
Store-Bought Mouthguards
Stock mouthguards are pre-made and come in standard sizes. Because they are not shaped to the child’s specific mouth, they may feel loose or bulky. A guard that shifts during activity may not provide the protection parents expect.
Boil-And-Bite Mouthguards
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are softened in hot water and then shaped around the teeth. These can offer more fit than a stock guard, but they may still be less precise than a custom dental appliance. If they are not shaped correctly, they may feel uneven or uncomfortable.
Custom Mouthguards From A Dentist
A custom mouthguard is made around the patient’s smile. Because the fit is more personalized, it can be more comfortable and secure. This may make it easier for kids and teens to wear the guard regularly during practices, games, and other activities.
At Kelly Family Dentistry, we help patients of all ages in Franklin, TN protect their teeth with custom night guards and sports mouthguards designed for their specific needs.
Can Kids Grind Their Teeth At Night?
Yes, kids can grind or clench their teeth at night. This is often called bruxism. Some children may grind temporarily and outgrow the habit, while others may need evaluation if the grinding is frequent or causing symptoms.
Parents may notice signs such as:
- Grinding sounds during sleep
- Jaw soreness
- Morning headaches
- Tooth sensitivity
- Flattened or worn teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Facial discomfort
- Complaints of tired jaws
- Trouble sleeping comfortably
Because children may not always realize they are grinding their teeth, regular dental visits are important. During an exam, Dr. Allyson Kelly, DDS can look for signs of tooth wear, enamel changes, bite concerns, or other issues that may suggest nighttime grinding.
When Should A Child Get A Night Guard?
A child may need a night guard if there are signs that grinding or clenching is affecting their teeth, jaw, or comfort. Parents should consider scheduling an evaluation if they hear grinding at night, notice changes in the teeth, or if their child complains of jaw soreness, tooth sensitivity, or frequent morning headaches.
It is important not to guess when choosing a night guard for a child. A dentist should first evaluate the child’s mouth, bite, and symptoms to determine whether a night guard is appropriate. In some cases, grinding may be connected to growth, tooth development, bite changes, airway concerns, or other dental factors that should be reviewed before recommending treatment.
At Kelly Family Dentistry, we take a thoughtful approach to preventative dental care. Our team can help determine whether a night guard is the right choice or whether another form of monitoring or care may be more appropriate.
How Long Do Sports Guards And Night Guards Last?
The lifespan of a sports guard or night guard depends on the child’s age, growth, dental development, level of use, and how much wear appears on the appliance. Because children and teens are still growing, their guards may need to be replaced more often than adult guards.
A mouthguard may need replacement if:
- It no longer fits comfortably
- It feels loose or tight
- The child’s teeth or bite have changed
- There are holes, cracks, or worn areas
- The child has lost baby teeth or gained permanent teeth
- The guard has an odor or damage that does not improve with cleaning
- The child is chewing on the appliance
Parents should bring the guard to dental checkups so our team can evaluate the fit and condition. This helps make sure the appliance is still doing its job and remains comfortable enough for consistent use.
How Should You Clean And Care For A Child’s Mouthguard?
Proper care helps keep a sports guard or night guard clean, comfortable, and ready to use. Parents should help children build good habits around cleaning and storing the appliance.
To care for a child’s mouthguard or night guard:
- Rinse it after each use.
- Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush.
- Allow it to dry before placing it in a case.
- Store it in a protective container.
- Keep it away from heat, including hot cars and direct sunlight.
- Do not let children chew on it.
- Keep it away from pets.
- Bring it to dental visits for fit checks.
A clean and well-maintained guard can help protect the appliance and support better oral hygiene.
Why Choose Kelly Family Dentistry For Sports Guards And Night Guards In Franklin, TN?
Families in Franklin, TN deserve dental care that is personal, professional, and focused on long-term oral health. Kelly Family Dentistry has been part of the Franklin community for decades, serving generations of families with a welcoming approach and a commitment to excellent care.
Dr. Allyson Kelly, DDS brings advanced training, experience, and a patient-centered philosophy to family dentistry. She earned her DDS from Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in Nashville and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency during her time in the Army. Her approach is rooted in treating patients with the care, respect, and empathy she would want for her own family.
For children and teens, that means we do more than simply provide an appliance. We evaluate the child’s needs, explain the purpose of the guard, answer parent questions, and help families make informed decisions. Whether your child needs a sports guard for athletic protection or a night guard for grinding, our team is here to help protect growing smiles with comfort and care.
Schedule A Visit For Sports Guards And Night Guards In Franklin, TN
If your child plays sports, grinds their teeth, wakes with jaw discomfort, or shows signs of tooth wear, Kelly Family Dentistry in Franklin, TN can help you understand whether a custom sports guard or night guard is the right choice.
Our team is proud to support families with preventative dental care, pediatric dentistry, complete oral exams, and custom dental appliances for patients of all ages. Call Kelly Family Dentistry today to schedule a visit with Dr. Allyson Kelly, DDS, and take the next step toward protecting your child’s smile.
Sources
Dr. Kelly
Dr. Allyson Kelly, DDS, is a dedicated General Dentist at Kelly Family Dentistry in Franklin, TN. A graduate of Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, she served five years as a Captain in the U.S. Army, where she completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at Fort Carson. With advanced training in dental implants, oral surgery, and endodontics, Dr. Kelly combines clinical expertise with a compassionate approach to care. Outside the office, she enjoys equestrian sports, coaching her daughter’s soccer team, running half marathons with her husband, and giving back through school and community involvement.