Do kids need mouthguards for sports?

Sports are one of the most common causes of dental injuries in children, and a mouthguard is simple, inexpensive protection against injuries that are anything but simple — or cheap — to fix. Any sport that involves contact, or a flying ball, stick, bat, or elbow, is worth guarding for: football, basketball, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, baseball and softball, wrestling and martial arts, and even activities like skateboarding, biking, and gymnastics where falls are common. If there's a realistic chance of a blow to the face, a mouthguard belongs in the gear bag.

A mouthguard works by cushioning and distributing the force of an impact to the teeth, lips, and jaw. That dramatically lowers the risk of chipped, broken, loosened, or knocked-out teeth, protects the soft tissues of the lips and cheeks from being cut against the teeth, and can help soften blows to the jaw. When you consider that a knocked-out or badly fractured permanent tooth can mean a lifetime of dental work — repairs, replacements, and ongoing maintenance — a mouthguard is one of the highest-value pieces of protective equipment a young athlete can wear.

There are three main types. Stock mouthguards are ready-made and inexpensive but often fit poorly and feel bulky. Boil-and-bite guards, softened in hot water and molded to the teeth at home, fit better and are a reasonable middle option available at most sporting-goods stores. Custom-made mouthguards, made by your dentist from an impression of your child's teeth, offer the best fit, comfort, and protection. Because they're molded precisely to your child's mouth, they stay in place, allow easy breathing and speaking, and — crucially — are comfortable enough that kids will actually keep them in. The best mouthguard is always the one your child will reliably wear.

A few practical notes: children's mouths change as they grow and lose teeth, so mouthguards need to be checked and replaced periodically to keep fitting well, and a child in braces has special considerations that a custom guard can accommodate. Rinse it after each use, store it in a ventilated case, and bring it to dental visits so we can check the fit.

If your child plays sports, ask us about a custom mouthguard at your next visit. We'll make sure they're properly protected and comfortable, so a routine game or practice never turns into an emergency dental appointment. It's a small step that can save your child's smile — and save you a great deal of worry and expense down the road.