Sports & Smiles: Mouthguard for Kids?
Introduction: The Piece of Sports Equipment You Can't Afford to Forget
You wouldn’t let your child step onto the football field without a helmet or onto the skatepark without knee pads. But are you protecting one of the most vulnerable and expensive-to-fix parts of their body—their smile?
A mouthguard for kids is not an optional accessory; it’s essential protective gear. From basketball to gymnastics, any activity with a risk of falls, collisions, or contact with equipment poses a threat to your child’s teeth, jaws, and overall oral health.
The Stark Reality: Sports-Related Dental Injuries
The statistics are sobering. Studies show that athletes without a sports mouthguard are 60 times more likely to sustain a dental injury. These injuries can be traumatic, painful, and costly, including:
Chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth
Root fractures
Cut lips, cheeks, and tongue
Jaw fractures or dislocations
Beyond the Teeth: The Brain Protection Bonus
Modern research shows that a well-fitted mouthguard does more than just protect teeth. It can also help reduce the risk and severity of concussions by absorbing and dissipating the force of an impact to the chin or jaw, which can jar the brain.
Choosing the Right Mouthguard: The Good, Bad, and Best
Stock Mouthguards: The cheap, pre-formed “one-size-fits-all” option found in sports stores. They offer the least protection, are bulky, and can interfere with breathing and speaking. Not recommended.
“Boil-and-Bite” Mouthguards: A mid-range option that you soften in hot water and then bite into to create a semi-custom fit. They offer better protection than stock guards but can be bulky and may not fit perfectly.
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards: The Gold Standard. Made by your dentist from a precise model of your child’s teeth. They offer superior fit, comfort, and protection, are less bulky, and don’t impede breathing. This is the only option that provides truly optimal safety.
FAQs About Mouthguards
While essential for football, hockey, and boxing, a mouthguard is highly recommended for any activity with contact or collision risk, including: basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, skateboarding, bicycling, gymnastics, and martial arts.
Rinse it before and after use. Clean it with a toothbrush and soap (not toothpaste, which can be abrasive). Store it in its ventilated case and keep it away from high heat to prevent warping.
A custom mouthguard typically lasts for 1-2 sports seasons, depending on your child’s growth and wear-and-tear. It should be replaced if it becomes loose, damaged, or after a growth spurt.
Yes, and it’s even more critical! A blow to the face with braces can cause significant soft tissue damage. Your dentist can make a special custom mouthguard designed to fit over braces and protect both the teeth and the orthodontic appliances.
Stock and boil-and-bite guards can be. A custom mouthguard from your dentist is designed for maximum comfort and fit, making it easy for your child to wear without complaint.