Mouthguards & Sports Dentistry: Protecting Young Athletes in Brunswick County

In Brunswick County, weekend tournaments, after-school practices, and pickup games on the beach are all part of growing up. Whether your child plays soccer at Town Creek Park or joins the local lacrosse team, one piece of equipment often goes overlooked: a properly fitted sports mouthguard. At Coastal Cosmetic Family Dentistry, our team helps families protect growing smiles from avoidable injuries with custom mouthguards designed for comfort, safety, and long-term oral health.

“Dental injuries are far more common in youth sports than many parents realize,” says Dr. Aaron Wilharm, DMD, owner of Coastal Cosmetic Family Dentistry. “The right mouthguard doesn’t just help prevent broken teeth, it can also protect soft tissues, jaw joints, and reduce the risk of concussion-related trauma.”

Why Mouthguards Matter in Youth Sports

Common Dental Injuries from Sports

Sports are one of the leading causes of dental trauma among children and teens. Collisions, falls, or even contact with sports equipment can cause a range of injuries, from chipped enamel to knocked-out teeth. Without proper protection, even minor impacts can lead to lasting complications that affect both oral health and confidence.

Some of the most frequent sports-related dental injuries include:

• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Knocked-out or loosened permanent teeth
• Cuts to the lips, tongue, or cheeks
• Jaw joint strain or dislocation

In contact sports such as football, basketball, and hockey, the risk is particularly high. But even “non-contact” sports like baseball, skateboarding, or gymnastics can result in facial impact injuries that a mouthguard might help prevent.

Risk Reduction and Prevention

A properly fitted mouthguard acts as a cushion that absorbs and redistributes the force of an impact, which can reduce the likelihood of fractured teeth or soft-tissue injury. The American Dental Association reports that athletes who wear mouthguards may be up to 60 times less likely to experience dental trauma compared to those who do not.

Beyond injury prevention, mouthguards also support jaw alignment and can reduce stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) during clenching or grinding, which is a common habit during competition. For children with orthodontic appliances, custom-fit designs can also be made to fit comfortably over braces, protecting both the teeth and brackets.

Store-Bought vs. Custom-Fit Mouthguards

• Fit, Comfort, and Protection

Many families first reach for boil-and-bite mouthguards from a sporting goods store because they’re inexpensive and easy to find. However, these store-bought versions often fall short in both comfort and protection. They tend to be bulky, slip out of place, or make it difficult for young athletes to breathe and communicate clearly.

Custom mouthguards, on the other hand, are designed from a digital impression of your child’s teeth. This precision fit keeps the guard secure during play and allows for easy breathing and speaking. Because they are thinner in the right places and thicker where protection is most needed, they can provide greater impact absorption and stability without feeling cumbersome.

• Longevity and Cost Comparison

While a custom mouthguard may have a higher upfront cost, it’s designed to last longer and perform better than store-bought alternatives. Over time, investing in a properly fitted guard can help reduce the likelihood of expensive dental repairs caused by sports injuries.

A mouthguard should be replaced about once a year, especially for growing children or those who play multiple sports. When you come in for an appointment, bring your mouthguard with you. Our team can help monitor fit and wear, ensuring the best possible protection season after season.

Our Process for Creating Custom Mouthguards

• Quick Digital Impressions

Gone are the days of messy impression trays and uncomfortable molds. At Coastal Cosmetic Family Dentistry, we use digital scanning technology to capture a precise 3D model of your child’s teeth. The process is quick, comfortable, and highly accurate. These digital scans are then used to craft a mouthguard that fits snugly and comfortably, without the bulk or gagging sensation of over-the-counter options.

• Personalized Fit for Every Age

Every child’s mouth is different, and so are their activities. We tailor each mouthguard to suit the athlete’s age, sport, and level of intensity. For example, contact sports like football or hockey may require thicker layers for impact absorption, while non-contact activities such as tennis are a better fit for a lighter design.

Our team also checks how the guard interacts with your child’s bite and airway to ensure both protection and ease of breathing. For younger athletes still growing, we recommend re-fitting the guard annually to accommodate changes in tooth alignment and jaw development.

Support Your Young Athlete’s Health and Safety

A mouthguard may be a small piece of equipment, but it can make a big difference in your child’s safety and confidence. Beyond protecting their teeth, it also helps safeguard against potential soft-tissue injuries, jaw strain, and long-term complications that may result from repeated impacts.

At Coastal Cosmetic Family Dentistry, we believe preventive care should be proactive, not reactive. Custom mouthguards are a simple, effective way to protect a child’s oral health while letting them focus on playing their best game.

Parents can also help protect their young athletes by:

• Encouraging consistent use of mouthguards during all practices and games
• Storing the guard in a ventilated case and cleaning it regularly with mild soap and water
• Checking for wear or distortion and replacing when necessary
• Bringing the guard to routine dental visits for inspection and adjustment

These small habits can help extend the lifespan of the mouthguard to maintain reliable protection.

Schedule a Mouthguard Fitting in Brunswick County Today

If your child participates in any sport where collisions or falls are possible, a custom mouthguard is one of the best ways to protect their growing smile. Coastal Cosmetic Family Dentistry proudly serves families throughout Brunswick County, including Oak Island, Shallotte, and Bolivia, providing personalized protection and preventive care for athletes of all ages.

Call us to schedule a consultation or ask about our custom sports mouthguards during your child’s next dental visit. Together, we can help keep their teeth safe, strong, and ready for the next big game.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Your results may vary.