Every year, dental and facial injuries from athletic activities affect thousands of young athletes. Even non-contact sports can involve falls, collisions, or impacts from equipment that put teeth, lips, cheeks, and the jaw at risk. For growing children and teens, an oral injury can be painful, disruptive to school and athletics, and sometimes require complex dental treatment to restore function and appearance.
Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard dramatically reduces the likelihood of common sports-related injuries, including chipped or knocked-out teeth, lacerations to the soft tissues of the mouth, and injuries to the jaw. Mouthguards also help distribute impact forces across a broader area, lessening the chance that a single blow will cause serious damage. Because children’s mouths are still developing, prevention is usually simpler and less invasive than treating injury after it happens.
Parents and coaches play a key role in creating a culture of safety around youth sports. Encouraging routine mouthguard use—especially in activities where falls, player-to-player contact, or flying objects are possible—protects both teeth and confidence. When a child is comfortable in their mouthguard, they’re more likely to wear it consistently, which is the single most important factor in preventing oral injuries during play.
There are three common categories of mouthguards available to athletes: stock (ready-to-wear), boil-and-bite, and custom-made. Stock mouthguards come pre-formed and are generally inexpensive, but they often provide a poor fit and can interfere with breathing and speaking. Boil-and-bite options soften in hot water and can be molded at home to better conform to the dental arch, offering an intermediate level of protection and comfort.
Custom-made mouthguards are fabricated by a dental professional from impressions or digital scans of the patient’s teeth. These are built to precise specifications, offering superior fit, retention, and comfort compared with over-the-counter alternatives. Because they sit snugly against the teeth and gums, custom guards are less likely to shift during play and allow better breathing and speech—important for performance and safety on the field.
Special considerations apply when a child is wearing orthodontic appliances. Braces, space maintainers, and certain restorative dental work may alter how a mouthguard should be designed. In these cases, a custom mouthguard made to accommodate appliances and protect vulnerable areas is often the safest option. Your child’s dentist can evaluate which style will offer the best balance of protection, comfort, and compatibility with orthodontic treatment.
Sports and league rules may also influence the type of mouthguard recommended. Some organizations require mouth protection in certain divisions or for specific activities, and different sports place different demands on the athlete. Understanding these factors helps parents and caregivers choose the most appropriate guard for their child’s needs.
Custom-fitted mouthguards are crafted to match a child’s unique dental anatomy, which improves how they sit in the mouth and how effectively they cushion impacts. Because they’re made from higher-grade materials and molded precisely, they tend to be thinner and more comfortable while providing equal or greater protection than bulkier store-bought options. Comfort directly influences compliance—kids are much more likely to keep a well-fitting mouthguard in place throughout practice and games.
Another advantage is predictability. A custom appliance maintains consistent thickness where protection is most needed and can be designed to avoid pressure on erupting teeth or orthodontic brackets. For children who play contact sports regularly, a long-term, durable solution can reduce interruptions to participation and lower the risk of emergency dental visits after an accident.
Custom guards can also be tailored for performance: some athletes prefer designs that allow easier breathing or clearer communication with teammates, while still meeting safety requirements. Dentists and dental laboratories collaborate to produce guards that balance protection, fit, and usability so that young athletes feel secure and unencumbered when competing.
A mouthguard is only effective when it fits correctly and is maintained properly. A well-fitting guard should stay in place comfortably without constant bite pressure, allow unrestricted breathing and speaking, and not cause sore spots in the mouth. If a child complains about discomfort, has trouble speaking, or the guard is loose, it should be evaluated and adjusted—preferably by a dental professional.
Cleaning and storage are simple but essential steps to prolong a mouthguard’s life and reduce bacteria. Rinse the guard after each use, brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste or mild soap, and store it in a ventilated case to keep it dry and protected from damage. Avoid leaving a mouthguard in direct sunlight or hot water, which can warp the material and undermine the fit.
Regular inspection is important: look for cracks, thinning areas, or changes in shape that can signal the need for replacement. During growth spurts or after dental treatment such as braces, a mouthguard that once fit well can become ill-fitting and less protective. Replace a mouthguard as needed—especially after significant changes to the child’s bite or dental structure.
For storage and hygiene, keep a spare mouthguard on hand when possible. A backup guard can prevent missed practice time if the primary guard is misplaced or damaged. Proper care not only extends the life of the device but also helps sustain its protective function over the season.
When selecting a mouthguard, start by considering the sport, the frequency of play, and any dental special circumstances such as braces or recent dental work. Contact sports like football, hockey, and lacrosse typically demand higher levels of protection, while activities that involve projectiles—baseball, softball, and certain recreational pursuits—still carry measurable risk. Discuss your child’s routine and participation level with their dentist to determine the most suitable option.
Comfort and fit are critical. Involve your child in the selection process so they can try different styles, learn how to insert and remove the device properly, and understand the care routine. A child who feels confident and comfortable with their mouthguard is far more likely to wear it consistently. Coaches and team staff can reinforce this behavior by making mouthguard use a normal part of practice and game preparation.
For parents seeking the best balance of protection and comfort, professional evaluation and fitting remain the gold standard. The office of Amarillo Super Smiles For Kids can assess your child’s oral health, discuss sport-specific recommendations, and, when appropriate, provide a custom-fitted mouthguard made to deliver reliable protection without compromising speech or breathing.
Summary: Protecting a young athlete’s smile is straightforward when you choose the right mouthguard and maintain it properly. Whether you select an over-the-counter option for occasional use or invest in a custom-fitted appliance for regular competition, the priorities are fit, comfort, and consistent wear. Contact us to learn more about the mouthguard options available for your child and to schedule a professional evaluation with our team.
Mouthguards protect teeth, lips, cheeks, and the jaw from injuries during sports. Even non-contact activities can involve falls or impacts that could cause chipped or knocked-out teeth, lacerations, or jaw injuries. Prevention is simpler and less invasive than treating an injury after it occurs.
There are three main types: stock (ready-to-wear), boil-and-bite, and custom-made. Stock mouthguards are inexpensive but may fit poorly. Boil-and-bite guards mold at home for better fit. Custom-made guards, created by a dental professional, provide the best fit, comfort, and protection.
Yes. Custom-fitted mouthguards are tailored to a child’s dental anatomy, offering superior fit, retention, and comfort. They provide consistent protection, allow better breathing and speaking, and are less likely to shift during play.
Specialized custom mouthguards can accommodate braces, space maintainers, or other dental work, protecting both the appliances and the teeth. Your dentist can design a guard that ensures safety without causing discomfort or interfering with orthodontic treatment.
A well-fitting mouthguard should stay in place without constant biting, allow normal breathing and speaking, and not cause sore spots. If it feels uncomfortable or loose, it should be adjusted or replaced by a dental professional.
Rinse the guard after each use, brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste or mild soap, and store it in a ventilated case. Avoid heat, which can warp the guard. Inspect regularly for cracks or thinning, and replace as needed to ensure ongoing protection.
Replace a mouthguard when it shows signs of wear, cracks, or poor fit. Children’s mouths change as they grow, so new guards may be needed after growth spurts, orthodontic treatment, or significant dental work.
Contact sports like football, hockey, and lacrosse require mouthguards, while sports with projectiles, such as baseball or softball, also carry risk. Even non-contact sports may benefit from mouth protection to prevent accidental injuries.
Comfort, fit, and involvement in selection are key. Let your child try different styles, practice inserting and removing the guard, and involve coaches in reinforcing consistent use during practices and games.
Yes. A dentist can evaluate your child’s oral health, consider sport-specific risks, and recommend the most appropriate type of mouthguard. Custom fittings ensure optimal protection, comfort, and performance on the field.
