Every athlete knows the risks that come with physical activity, but few stop to think about what those risks mean for their teeth until an injury has already happened. A collision on the basketball court, a fall from a bike, or an errant elbow during a soccer match can chip, crack, or completely knock out a tooth in an instant. Sports-related dental injuries are among the most common and most expensive dental problems patients face, and in the vast majority of cases, they’re entirely preventable with the right protection in place. Whether you compete at a high level or simply stay active on the weekends, a properly fitted sports guard is one of the smartest investments you can make for your long-term oral health.
At Aqua Dentistry, we provide custom-fitted sports guards as part of our commitment to comprehensive general dentistry in San Jose that protects your smile far beyond what happens inside our office. Located in the Midtown area of San Jose, our team takes precise impressions of your teeth to create a guard that fits the exact contours of your mouth, delivering a level of comfort and protection that generic options simply can’t match. We believe staying proactive about your dental health includes preparing for the unexpected, and a custom sports guard helps you do exactly that.
Dr. Jessica Mehta brings her unique blend of expertise and passion to our team. A graduate of the University of Southern California and the University of Washington’s General Practice Residency, she is dedicated to educating …
Dr. Aishwarya Kumar is the heart and soul behind our newly merged practice. With over eight years of experience treating patients across Silicon Valley, from Gilroy to San Jose, Dr. Kumar has built a reputation …
Not all mouth protection is created equal. According to the American Dental Association, a properly fitted custom mouthguard significantly reduces both the incidence and severity of sports-related dental injuries. Research has shown that athletes who do not wear a mouthguard face more than twice the risk of orofacial injury compared to those who do, and one meta-analysis found that mouthguard users were between 82% and 93% less likely to sustain a dentofacial injury during contact sports activities.
Custom sports guards are fabricated from precise impressions of your teeth, which means they stay securely in place during even the most intense activity. Store-bought options require you to bite down to hold them in position, which compromises breathing, speaking, and comfort during play. A custom guard is designed to absorb and redistribute the force of an impact across a broader surface area, protecting your teeth, gums, jaw, and the surrounding soft tissue from concentrated force. For athletes who wear orthodontic appliances or have had prior dental work, that precise, snug fit becomes even more important.
Many people associate sports guards with high-contact sports like football or boxing, but dental injuries occur across a wide range of athletic activities, including ones that might seem unlikely at first glance. The ADA recommends mouthguard use for athletes in both contact and limited-contact sports, and any activity where impact to the face is a realistic possibility deserves careful consideration.
Sports and activities where a custom sports guard is strongly recommended include:
Protecting your teeth against injury will always cost far less — in time, discomfort, and money — than repairing or replacing a damaged one.
Youth athletes face particular risk of dental trauma because their teeth and jaws are still actively developing. A knocked-out permanent tooth during childhood or adolescence can have lasting consequences that follow a young patient well into adulthood. Our children’s dentistry services make it easy for parents to get their young athletes fitted for a guard that’s comfortable enough to wear consistently during practice and games, because a guard that doesn’t fit is one that gets left behind in the gym bag.
Sports guards also have meaningful applications beyond athletic protection. If you experience jaw soreness, morning headaches, or have been told you clench or grind your teeth, our team can assess whether a protective appliance may also help address TMJ or bruxism symptoms alongside your athletic demands. And if a sports-related injury does occur despite your precautions, our emergency dentistry services are available to provide prompt, attentive care and get your smile back on track as quickly as possible.
Aqua Dentistry is proud to serve athletes of all ages from across San Jose, Willow Glen, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, and the surrounding communities. Dr. Aishwarya Kumar and our team approach every appointment with personalized attention, and that extends to how we fit and fabricate each sports guard. From the initial impression to the finished product, we make sure your guard fits correctly, feels comfortable enough to wear consistently, and provides the level of protection your sport requires. We accept most major PPO plans through the Connection Dental network, and flexible payment options through CareCredit, Cherry, and our in-house membership plan make it easy to prioritize protection for your whole family.
Don’t wait for an injury to remind you what’s at stake. Contact our office today to schedule your custom sports guard fitting in San Jose and take a simple, effective step toward protecting your smile for years to come.
Dr. Kumar is very skilled and knowledgeable related to dental issues. I had got my crown replaced and also filling done. I would highly recommend Dr. Kumar for any dental related issues.
-Ritesh
