As youth sports participation rises across Muskegon, dental professionals are urging families to prioritize custom sports mouthguards to prevent serious injuries and protect growing smiles.
Muskegon, Michigan, United States, 28th Feb 2026 – Bruce G. Jones DDS, a family dental practice serving the Muskegon and Norton Shores communities, is encouraging parents of youth athletes to prioritize professionally fitted sports mouthguards as spring athletic programs begin across West Michigan.
As youth leagues transition from winter to spring competition, local families are preparing for another active sports season. In response, Bruce G. Jones DDS is raising awareness about the role of properly fitted mouthguards in helping reduce the risk of dental injuries during athletic participation.
Local Dental Practice Highlights Preventative Focus
With participation in youth athletics remaining strong throughout Muskegon County, dental professionals at Bruce G. Jones DDS report that sports-related dental injuries continue to be a common reason for emergency appointments during peak seasons. The practice is using the start of spring training as an opportunity to educate families on available protective options.
While helmets and pads are standard equipment in many sports, mouthguards are sometimes viewed as optional. Dental professionals note that mouthguards are designed to help cushion impact to the teeth and jaw area during contact or accidental collisions.
Understanding Mouthguard Options
Bruce G. Jones DDS outlines three primary types of sports mouthguards available to families:
Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and available over the counter. They are ready to wear but may not provide a precise fit.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are softened in hot water and molded at home. These offer a more customized fit than stock models but depend on proper molding technique.
Custom-fitted mouthguards are fabricated by a dental professional using impressions or digital scans of the patient’s teeth. Because they are tailored to the individual, they are designed to provide improved fit, stability, and comfort during athletic activity.
Considerations for Athletes With Orthodontic Treatment
For youth athletes currently wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances, Bruce G. Jones DDS advises parents to consider mouthguards designed specifically to accommodate brackets and shifting tooth alignment. Custom orthodontic mouthguards can be designed with additional space to allow for ongoing tooth movement while helping shield soft tissues from contact with orthodontic hardware.
What Families Can Expect During a Fitting Appointment
According to the practice, a custom mouthguard appointment typically involves an evaluation of the patient’s teeth and bite alignment, followed by impressions or digital scanning. The final product is fabricated using materials selected for durability and comfort. A follow-up fitting ensures proper positioning and retention.
Because children and teens experience growth and dental changes, the practice recommends routine evaluation of protective gear at the start of each sports season.
Encouraging Preventative Planning Ahead of Spring Sports
As local leagues prepare for upcoming competitions, Bruce G. Jones DDS encourages families to include mouthguards in their preseason equipment checklist. The practice states that proactive planning can help reduce interruptions caused by avoidable dental injuries during the school year.
Appointments for sports mouthguard fittings are currently available at the Muskegon office.
Media Contact
Organization: Bruce Jones Dental
Contact Person: Bruce G. Jones Dentistry
Website: https://brucegjonesdds.com/
Email: Send Email
Contact Number: +16168512040
Address:30 W Norton Ave
City: Muskegon
State: Michigan
Country:United States
Release id:41918
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