Young athletes take hits that can crack teeth, cut lips, and shake the jaw. A mouthguard protects your child from many of these injuries. Yet many parents grab the first one on the shelf and hope it fits. That choice can fail when your child needs it most. You need a mouthguard that fits, stays in place, and matches your child’s sport. You also need one that your child will actually wear during practice and games. Different sports, braces, and growth patterns all change what works best. A children’s dentist in Los Angeles can help you sort through the options. This guide explains the three main types of mouthguards, what to look for in fit and comfort, and when to replace one. You will learn how to protect your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw with a simple piece of gear that can prevent long term damage.
Why Mouthguards Matter For Young Athletes
Contact and fast-moving sports put teeth and jaws at risk. A hard fall, a stray elbow, or a ball to the face can cause chipped teeth, broken teeth, or tooth loss. It can also cause cuts to the lips and tongue and even jaw joint injury.
The American Dental Association reports that mouthguards can reduce mouth injuries during sports. When your child wears a mouthguard, you lower the chance of emergency dental visits and long-term treatment.
Think about three simple goals.
- Protect teeth and gums from impact.
- Keep the jaw more stable during contact.
- Help your child feel safe enough to play with confidence.
The Three Main Types Of Mouthguards
Mouthguards come in three main styles. Each has benefits and limits.
Comparison of Mouthguard Types for Young Athletes
| Type | How It Is Made | Protection Level | Fit and Comfort | Cost Range | Best For
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | Pre-formed. Off the shelf. No molding. | Low | Loose. Often bulky. Hard to speak. | Low | Short term or backup use. |
| Boil and Bite | Softened in hot water. Then shaped in the mouth. | Medium | Better fit than stock. Still not exact. | Low to medium | Most youth players without braces. |
| Custom Fitted | Made by a dentist from an impression or scan. | High | Snug fit. Easier breathing and talking. | Higher | Contact sports, braces, or past injuries. |
How To Match The Mouthguard To The Sport
Different sports bring different impacts. You want protection that matches the risk.
- High contact sports. Football, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, and boxing. Choose a custom-fitted or high-quality boil-and-bite mouthguard. Look for strong material and full coverage of the upper teeth.
- Moderate contact sports. Basketball, soccer, wrestling, rugby. A well-fitted boil-and-bite mouthguard can work. A custom option adds more comfort if your child plays often.
- Limited contact sports with fast objects. Baseball, softball, and field hockey. A boil-and-bite or custom mouthguard helps protect the face from balls and sticks.
- Non contact sports. Gymnastics, skating, and biking. A basic boil and bite guard can help if falls are common.
Check your child’s league rules. Many leagues require mouthguards in certain sports. Others only suggest them. When rules are not clear, choose protection anyway. One hard hit can change a smile for life.
Special Concerns For Braces And Growing Mouths
Braces and changing teeth need more care. Metal brackets and wires can cut cheeks and lips during impact. A mouthguard adds a soft layer between the teeth and the rest of the mouth.
For children with braces, stock guards often do not fit. They can press on brackets or fall out. A custom-fitted or braces specific boil and bite mouthguard is safer. The guard should cover the brackets without locking onto them. Your child must still be able to open and close the mouth without strain.
Growing mouths change fast. New teeth come in. Baby teeth fall out. The bite shifts. A mouthguard that fit last season may not fit now. Check the fit at the start of each season and after any major dental change. If it feels tight, loose, or uneven, replace it.
Signs Of A Good Fit
A good mouthguard feels snug and steady. It should not cause pain or gagging. Use this quick test.
- Your child can talk with only a small change in speech.
- Your child can breathe through the mouth without strain.
- The guard stays in place without biting or clenching.
- The edges do not rub or cut the gums or cheeks.
- The guard covers all upper teeth up to the last molar.
If your child keeps removing the mouthguard, something is wrong. It may be too big, too small, or the shape may not match the teeth. A dentist can trim or adjust some types. Others need full replacement.
Care, Cleaning, and When to Replace
Good care keeps the mouthguard safe and less full of germs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shares sports hygiene tips. Use these steps for daily care.
- Rinse the mouthguard with cool water before and after use.
- Brush it gently with a toothbrush and mild soap. Do not use hot water.
- Store it in a sturdy vented case. Keep it out of direct sunlight.
- Keep it away from pets. Many dogs chew mouthguards.
- Bring it to dental checkups so the dentist can inspect it.
Plan to replace the mouthguard when you see cracks, tears, or bite marks. Replace it if it changes shape, smells bad after cleaning, or no longer feels snug. Young athletes who grind their teeth or play often may need a new one every season.
How To Involve Your Child In The Choice
Children wear gear they help choose. Let your child pick the color or design once you set the type and safety level. Explain why a good fit matters. Then link wearing the mouthguard to playing time. No guard. No play.
Practice wearing it at home. Have your child talk, drink water, and run with the guard in place. This makes game day feel normal. Over time, the guard will feel like part of the uniform.
When you choose a mouthguard with care, you give your child strong protection in a small piece of gear. You also teach respect for their body and their smile. That habit can last far beyond youth sports.
