When you’re passionate about sports, protecting your smile should be just as important as perfecting your game. Whether you’re a weekend warrior on the softball field or your child is the star of their basketball league, dental injuries can happen in an instant. That’s where sports mouthguards come into play. A custom-fitted sports mouthguard isn’t just another piece of equipment; it’s your first line of defense against chipped teeth, jaw injuries, and costly emergency dental visits that can sideline you for weeks or even months.
At Club K Holistic Dental, Dr. Joshua Knapton understands Springfield families lead active lifestyles, and we’re here to help you stay in the game safely. Our custom-designed sports mouthguards provide superior protection while maintaining the comfort and breathability you need to perform at your best. As Springfield’s only holistic dental practice, we combine traditional protective benefits with our commitment to using only the safest, most biocompatible materials for your family’s oral health.
The difference between a store-bought mouthguard and a custom-fitted one from your dentist is like comparing a generic helmet to one designed specifically for your head. Custom sports mouthguards are created from precise impressions of your teeth, ensuring a secure fit that won’t slip, bunch up, or interfere with your breathing during intense moments of play. This superior fit translates directly into better protection for your teeth, gums, and jaw.
Store-bought options may seem convenient, but they often create a false sense of security. These one-size-fits-all guards frequently shift during activity, leaving gaps where impact can still cause damage. Athletes often complain about difficulty breathing, speaking, or drinking water while wearing ill-fitting guards, leading many to remove them during crucial moments when protection is needed most. Custom mouthguards eliminate these issues by molding perfectly to your unique dental structure.
Research shows athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries when not wearing a mouthguard. The most common sports-related dental injuries include:
A quality custom mouthguard distributes the force of impact across the entire guard rather than concentrating it on individual teeth, significantly limiting the risk of these painful and expensive injuries.
At Club K Holistic Dental, we take a unique approach to sports mouthguards, reflecting our commitment to whole-body health. Our custom guards are crafted using biocompatible materials that are free from harmful chemicals commonly found in mass-produced alternatives. We believe what goes in your mouth should support your overall wellness, not compromise it with unnecessary toxins or allergens.
Dr. Knapton’s holistic approach means we consider how your mouthguard fits into your complete oral health picture. We examine your bite, jaw alignment, and any existing dental work to ensure your custom guard provides optimal protection without creating additional stress on your temporomandibular joint.
Our mouthguards are designed for durability and longevity, using high-quality materials that maintain their protective properties season after season. We also provide detailed care instructions to help you keep your guard clean and hygienic, because proper maintenance is essential for both protection and oral health. Regular cleaning prevents bacterial buildup that can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
While contact sports like football and hockey require mouthguard protection, many Springfield athletes are surprised to learn how many other activities pose risks to their teeth. Basketball players frequently experience elbow contact to the face during rebounds and defensive plays. Baseball and softball players face high-velocity balls and potential collisions at bases. Even individual sports like skateboarding, mountain biking, and gymnastics carry significant risks for facial injuries.
Consider these common scenarios that can result in dental emergencies:
The financial impact of sports-related dental injuries extends far beyond the immediate emergency treatment. Root canals, crowns, implants, and orthodontic repairs can cost thousands of dollars and require multiple appointments over months or years. A single custom mouthguard that costs a few hundred dollars can prevent injuries that might otherwise cost ten times more to repair.
Even non-contact sports benefit from mouthguard protection. Runners and cyclists who exercise outdoors face risks from falls, while gym enthusiasts who lift heavy weights may unconsciously clench their teeth, leading to wear and potential fractures over time. The investment in protection pays dividends in preserving your dental health and peace of mind.
Don’t let a preventable dental injury knock you out of the activities you love. At Club K Holistic Dental, Dr. Knapton combines years of dental experience with advanced training in holistic approaches to create custom sports mouthguards that protect your smile while supporting your overall health. Our commitment to using only the safest, most biocompatible materials means you can focus on your performance without worrying about what you’re putting in your mouth.
As a fee-for-service practice, we work directly with you to provide the highest quality care without insurance company restrictions limiting your treatment options. Dr. Knapton takes the time to understand your specific sport, position, and protection needs to create a mouthguard that truly fits your lifestyle. Ready to protect your smile the holistic way? Call Club K Holistic Dental at (417) 397-7700, fill out our contact form, or schedule your first appointment online today.
At Club K Dental, we offer a distinctive dental experience that you won’t find anywhere else. We are a Mercury-Free, Mercury-Safe, Biologic office committed to holistic dental care. Our practice focuses on finding and preventing the root cause of disease or damage rather than simply treating symptoms. We offer specialized services including Allergy Elimination through NAET, Ozone Therapy, and SAFE Amalgam removal. We work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive, holistic care that addresses your overall wellness, not just your dental health.
Your first visit with us will be approximately 90 minutes, during which we conduct a thorough assessment of your dental and overall health. We’ll take a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) or 3D radiograph to examine your airway, bone structure and density, teeth, sinuses, and other anatomical landmarks in your upper and lower jaws. We also perform a Vitamin D test and a Saliva pH test to gauge your overall health status. You’ll receive a dental cleaning using ozonated water and meet with Dr. Knapton to discuss your health goals and treatment options. This comprehensive approach enables us to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET) is a non-invasive, drug-free method for treating allergies. This holistic approach helps identify and eliminate allergic reactions through a combination of techniques derived from traditional Chinese medicine, kinesiology, and chiropractic principles. Dr. Knapton is certified in NAET and has personal experience with its effectiveness. He sought NAET treatment for his own hands that were cracking and bleeding, with remarkable results after conventional treatments failed. He has also successfully treated his children for allergies using NAET, resolving his son’s sandpaper skin and his daughter’s persistent leg rash.
Our SAFE Amalgam Removal process adheres to strict protocols to safeguard you from mercury exposure during the removal of old mercury fillings. As members of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), we adhere to scientific safety measures throughout the procedure. This includes using specialized equipment to minimize mercury vapor, providing oxygen during the procedure, using a rubber dam to isolate the tooth, and employing high-volume suction to capture particles and vapor. We follow these protocols to reduce your exposure to potentially harmful substances while replacing your amalgam fillings with biocompatible alternatives. After removal, we may recommend detoxification support to help your body eliminate any mercury that may have accumulated in your system over time.
