Dental injuries are among the most common sports injuries in kids and teens, and a well-fitted mouthguard is one of the simplest, most effective ways to prevent them — but not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection.
The three main types
- Stock mouthguards: pre-formed, one-size-fits-all, sold at most sporting goods stores — the least protective and often uncomfortable enough that kids remove them during play
- Boil-and-bite guards: softened in hot water and bitten into a rough shape at home — better fit than stock, still inconsistent, especially for kids with mixed baby and permanent teeth
- Custom-fitted guards: made from a dental impression or digital scan of your child's actual teeth — the best fit, comfort, and protection of the three
Why fit matters more than most parents assume
A poorly fitting mouthguard is more likely to come loose or get removed mid-game, which defeats its purpose entirely, and can also make breathing and talking during play uncomfortable enough that a child avoids wearing it consistently. A custom guard is fitted specifically to the shape of your child's mouth, distributing impact force evenly rather than concentrating it.
Which sports actually need one
Contact sports like football, hockey, and lacrosse are the obvious cases, but mouthguards are worth considering for basketball, soccer, gymnastics, and skateboarding as well — many dental injuries happen in sports not traditionally thought of as "contact" sports, from elbows to falls to collisions with equipment.
Kids with braces need special consideration
Standard mouthguards can be uncomfortable or even risky for kids with braces, since a hard impact can drive the guard into the brackets and cause cuts. We offer guards specifically designed to accommodate braces, cushioning both the teeth and the brackets themselves.
Getting a custom guard
A custom mouthguard takes a single quick visit for the digital scan or impression, with the finished guard ready shortly after. Given how common and preventable dental injuries are in youth sports, it's one of the more worthwhile investments for an actively athletic child.
We fit custom guards, including options for kids in braces — see our pediatric dentistry page for more.
