Occlusal & Sports Guards in Sarasota, FL

At Give Me A Smile Pediatric Dentistry in Sarasota, FL, we provide custom-made occlusal and sports mouth guards designed to protect your child’s teeth from injury, grinding, or clenching. Whether your child needs protection during sports activities or relief from nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism), Dr. Jerry Chery offers tailored solutions to preserve their oral health and comfort.

Mouth guards are an essential part of preventive pediatric dental care. Our custom guards are made using safe, high-quality materials to ensure a comfortable fit and long-lasting protection. Unlike generic store-bought options, our guards are professionally fitted to your child’s unique bite and dental anatomy.

We recommend custom occlusal or sports mouth guards for a range of pediatric dental needs:

• Sports-related protection: For children active in contact sports like football, basketball, or soccer, mouth guards reduce the risk of broken teeth, jaw injuries, and oral trauma.
  
  
• Teeth grinding (bruxism): Some children grind their teeth at night, which can lead to worn enamel, headaches, and jaw pain. Occlusal guards cushion the bite and help protect developing teeth.
  
  
• Jaw or bite issues: Children undergoing orthodontic treatment or those with bite irregularities can benefit from occlusal guards to reduce strain and discomfort.

Not sure if your child needs a mouth guard? During your visit, Dr. Chery can evaluate your child’s bite and habits as part of our preventative care services.

Creating a custom mouth guard is a quick and painless process that generally includes:

1. Consultation and assessment – We evaluate your child’s oral habits, bite alignment, and risk factors.
   
   
2. Digital impressions – A comfortable digital scan is used to design a guard that fits precisely.
   
   
3. Lab fabrication – The guard is fabricated from durable, BPA-free materials to ensure safety and comfort.
   
   
4. Fitting and instruction – We ensure a proper fit and educate your child on how to wear and care for their new guard.

Our team will also monitor the guard during future visits to ensure it continues to fit as your child grows. If needed, we can provide replacements.

Protective mouth guards help prevent:

• Fractured or lost teeth from sports injuries
  
  
• Wear and tear on enamel from teeth grinding
  
  
• Jaw pain, headaches, and disrupted sleep
  
  
• Dental emergencies and long-term orthodontic issues

Many of our patients using sports guards also benefit from our restorative care and dental emergencies services, which can work in tandem if trauma or damage occurs.

Areas We Serve

We proudly provide custom occlusal and sports mouth guards to families in:

• Lakewood Ranch
  
  
• Fruitville
  
  
• Bee Ridge
  
  
• Sarasota Springs
  
  
• Palmer Ranch
  
  
• Southgate

Our Sarasota pediatric dental office is conveniently located at:

6305 Initiative Boulevard, Suite 112, Sarasota, FL 34240

FAQs About Pediatric Occlusal & Sports Guards

1. What’s the difference between an occlusal guard and a sports guard?: Occlusal guards are worn at night to prevent teeth grinding and protect the bite, while sports guards are worn during physical activity to prevent trauma from impact.
   
   
2. At what age should my child start using a mouth guard?: We recommend starting as soon as your child plays contact sports or shows signs of teeth grinding—typically around age 6 or older, depending on dental development.
   
   
3. How long do custom mouth guards last?: Most guards last one to two years but may need adjustments or replacements as your child grows or if they experience significant dental changes.
   
   
4. Are mouth guards covered by dental insurance?: Coverage varies by plan. We’re happy to check your benefits and discuss affordable options during your visit.
   
   
5. Can my child wear a mouth guard with braces?: Yes. We design custom mouth guards that accommodate braces and orthodontic appliances to ensure both protection and comfort.

Protect Your Child’s Smile — Book a Visit Today

At Give Me A Smile Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s safety and oral health are our top priorities. If your child needs a custom occlusal or sports guard in Sarasota or surrounding areas, Dr. Jerry Chery and our caring team are here to help.

Call us today at 941-529-0331 or request an appointment online to get started.