As a parent, you go to great lengths to protect your children — from helmets and knee pads to seat belts and sunscreen. But one area often overlooked is protecting their smile. Whether your child plays sports, grinds their teeth at night, or suffers from jaw pain, a mouthguard might be the simple solution to preventing long-term damage.

 At Kids Smile, P.C., we believe in proactive dental care – especially when it comes to something as important as your child’s growing smile.

Here’s what you need to know about why your child might need a mouthguard – and why a professionally made pro guard is the best choice.

Athletic Mouthguards: Preventing Sports Injuries

If your child plays contact sports like soccer, football, basketball, hockey, or even skateboards or bikes frequently, a sports mouthguard is essential. Athletic mouthguards help prevent broken or knocked-out teeth and cuts to the lips, cheeks, and tongue.

What to watch for:

If your child is active in sports (even non-contact ones like gymnastics or skating), a mouthguard is an easy way to avoid dental emergencies that can be painful and costly.

How your dentist can help:

At Kids Smile, we’ll assess the level of risk based on your child’s sport and fit them with a custom mouthguard that’s designed for maximum protection and comfort. With a custom-made fit, the mouthguard will stay in your child’s mouth and be less likely to get knocked out. It will also feel more comfortable, so your child will be less likely to “forget” it. 

Bruxism Mouthguards: Managing Nighttime Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is a condition where children grind or clench their teeth, often during sleep. While it’s fairly common in kids, if left untreated, it can lead to worn-down teeth, headaches, sleep disturbances, and jaw pain or fatigue.

What to watch for:

You might notice your child waking up with a sore jaw or unexplained headaches, or you may hear the grinding at night.

How your dentist can help:

Your dentist can examine your child’s teeth for wear patterns and signs of stress, and fit them with a custom bruxism nightguard that cushions and protects their teeth while they sleep. A custom guard is made specifically for your child’s smile. So it will provide far better protection. 

TMJ Mouthguards: Easing Jaw Joint Pain

You may have heard of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD), or you may even have it yourself. It can affect kids too, especially those who clench their jaw due to stress or misaligned teeth. Signs of TMJ include:clicking or popping in the jaw, pain around the jaw, face, or ears; or trouble opening or closing the mouth fully.

What to watch for:
Your child might complain of jaw soreness, have trouble chewing, or mention clicking sounds when moving their jaw.

How your dentist can help:
At Kids Smile, we’ll evaluate your child’s jaw alignment and may recommend a custom mouthguard designed to relax the muscles and reduce joint strain.

Why Choose a Professionally Made Pro Guard

It’s easy to grab a store-bought mouthguard off the shelf—but a professional mouthguard offers a better level of protection. Here’s why:

  • Fit – Mouthguards from a store are one-size-fits all and often bulky and uncomfortable. They often require a “boil-and-bite” process before wearing. A custom mouthguard is individually molded to your child’s teeth for a perfect fit.
  • Comfort – A consumer guard may fall out or interfere with breathing or speaking. The professional guard is snug, secure, and comfortable. It works great for sleep or active play. 
  • Protection – An over-the-counter mouthguard provides basic protection for your child. The professional guard offers tailored protection based on your child’s needs. 
  • Durability – Store-bought guards tend to wear out quickly. A professional mouthguard is made of high-quality materials that will last longer. 
  • Dentist Oversight – Your dentist can monitor your child and ensure the mouthguard is working as it should. If adjustments are needed, we can take care of it. 


At Kids Smile, P.C., we believe prevention is key to a healthy, happy smile. Whether your child is a budding athlete, a nighttime grinder, or dealing with jaw discomfort, a custom mouthguard can make a big difference.

If you’re interested in a mouthguard for your child, call us today at 732-335-7172 for an appointment in Monmouth Junction, NJ.