Got a dental emergency? Ask us about same day appointments
Got a dental emergency? Ask us about same day appointments
One fast elbow, one bad bounce, or one tumble off a scooter can change a child’s smile in a single second. Chandler kids stay busy with soccer fields, basketball courts, skate parks, and backyard games, and a sports guard is a small piece of gear that may help protect teeth, lips, and gums when play gets rowdy.
At Kids Dental Center, we make dental visits fun and stress-free for children throughout Chandler, and we are happy to talk with you about mouthguards as part of our pediatric dental services in Chandler. Our team can help you choose a sports guard that fits your child’s age, sport, and smile, so you can cheer from the sidelines with a little more peace of mind.
Contact sports such as football, hockey, martial arts, and wrestling are the obvious ones, but mouth injuries do not stay on the football field. Basketball, soccer, baseball, gymnastics, cheerleading, skateboarding, and biking can all lead to a chipped, loosened, or knocked-out tooth. If your child plays hard, a sports guard is worth a conversation.
Dental injuries during sports happen more often than many families expect. According to a 2020 study in the Journal of Pediatric Research, parents of 356 child athletes ages 7 to 13 reported dental injuries in 15.5% of the group, and only 23.9% of the children used a mouthguard. Those numbers suggest many young athletes may be playing without protection, and a quick visit with us can help close that gap.
Mouthguards come in three main styles, and each one offers a different balance of fit, comfort, and cost.
Stock guards come pre-formed and ready to wear right out of the package. They are usually the most affordable choice, but they can feel bulky, make talking harder, and may not stay snug on growing mouths.
These guards are softened in hot water, then pressed against the teeth to create a closer fit. They are a step up from stock options, though the final fit depends on how well the shaping goes at home.
A custom-fitted guard is made from a mold of your child’s teeth, so it is designed around their exact bite. This style is generally the most comfortable, which matters because a guard worn consistently may protect better than one left in the gym bag. During a visit, we can talk through which option fits your child’s sport, age, and budget.
Kids lose baby teeth, gain new ones, and sometimes wear orthodontic appliances, so a guard that fit in September may feel different by spring. If your child is losing baby teeth, bring the guard to checkups so we can see how it sits. A guard that feels too loose or too tight may sit in a backpack instead of a mouth, and kids tend to skip gear that bothers them.
We also offer clear aligners for patients ages 14 and older, and teens in treatment should ask us how to protect their teeth during practice and games. Aligners are not designed to replace a sports guard, so we can talk through what works best for your athlete.
A little daily care helps a guard last through the season. Rinse it with cool water after each use, brush it gently with a toothbrush, and let it air dry before storing it in a ventilated case. Keep it away from hot cars, sunny windowsills, and pets, because heat can warp the shape and chewing can damage it.
Check the guard often for cracks, thin spots, or tears, and replace it when it looks worn. Bring it along to your child’s cleanings and exams so we can make sure it still fits well. If an injury does happen, we offer emergency pediatric dental care, and our guide on what to do when your child knocks out a tooth can help you stay calm in the moment.
Every visit at Kids Dental Center is designed to feel relaxed and even a little fun, and we believe kids deserve the absolute best regardless of insurance or background. You can see the plans we take on our insurance page, and we provide multiple financing options for your child’s care. We also accept walk-ins, and calling ahead is even better.
Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Wright, welcomes children with dental anxiety and patients with special needs, and we offer children’s sedation dentistry when it is appropriate. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to a child’s care, so we tailor each interaction to the child in the chair, whether the visit is a routine cleaning or a conversation about sports guards.
A mouthguard is a small piece of gear with a big job, and the right one lets your child play with confidence. Dr. Wright and our team at Kids Dental Center welcome families from Chandler and West Chandler, and we are ready to look at your child’s sport, bite, and comfort needs together.
We want every child to leave with a smile and every parent to leave feeling confident about the next game. Whether your athlete is brand new to the field or already a seasoned competitor, we are here to help with protection and prevention, so contact our office to schedule your child’s visit.
Address: 2900 W Ray Rd Suite 2, Chandler, AZ 85224
Hours:
“Everyone is always so nice and kind. Dr. J is always am…”
Caitlin McCracken – 12/4/2025
This customer did not write a review.
Edith Campos – 11/26/2025
“They’re super sweet! My
boys enjoyed their visit and…”
Brittanie Azeez – 11/19/2025
“Great office staff, caring
dentist and friendly, easy a…”
Mercedes Cartagena – 11/12/2025
This customer did not write a review.
Jinger Ertel – 11/11/2025
“So lit I’ve been going here
since I was like 5 they alwa…”
Gabbi Amoah – 10/30/2025
This customer did not write a review.
Gemma Banderas – 10/30/2025
“The entire staff provided a
great experience for our fir…”
Janice Kato – 10/22/2025
“I’m absolutely thrilled with
this dentist! We took in our…”
Carmen Bustamante – 10/21/2025
“The whole staff is so kind.
Dr Wright is so great with t…”
Rachel Porter – 10/17/2025
“Our new favorite dentist
office ever! So happy with t…”
kaylie wiseman – 10/13/2025
This customer did not write a review.
Nadia Eaglin – 10/13/2025
“Always a great experience
at Kids Dental Center. The…”
Jasmine Brignoni – 10/13/2025
This customer did not write a review.
Janelle Picazzo – 10/3/2025
