Pediatric Dentistry
Sports Mouthguards
Custom-fitted mouthguards that help protect the teeth and mouth of active kids and teens during sports.
A mouthguard cushions the teeth, lips, and gums when something hits the face. A ball, an elbow, the ground. For kids and teens who play contact sports or do anything with a real chance of falling, it’s one of the simplest ways to help prevent a chipped or knocked-out tooth. Basketball, soccer, football, hockey, and skateboarding all count.
Store-bought vs. custom
You can buy a boil-and-bite guard at most sporting goods stores, and it’s better than nothing. The trouble is fit. Many are bulky and shift around. Kids chew on them, pull them out to talk, or leave them in the bag.
A custom guard is made from an impression or scan of your child’s teeth. It fits snugly, so it stays in place and it’s easier to breathe and talk in. Kids are more likely to wear a guard they barely notice. That’s the main reason we recommend one.
Say your 11-year-old just made a soccer team and is starting to go up for headers. A guard shaped to his teeth stays put through a full game. A loose store guard often ends up in his hand by halftime.
Growing mouths and braces
Baby teeth fall out and new ones come in, so a guard that fit in September can feel tight by spring. Bring it to checkups and we’ll check the fit and remake it as your child grows. If your child wears braces, we can make a guard designed to fit over them.
Rinse it after each use, brush it gently, and keep it in a vented case. Keep it away from heat, too. A hot car can warp it.
Frequently asked questions
- Why choose a custom mouthguard over a store-bought one?
- A custom mouthguard is made from an impression of your child's teeth, so it fits more snugly and comfortably than a boil-and-bite version. A better fit is easier to wear, easier to talk in, and stays in place during play.
- Which sports need a mouthguard?
- A mouthguard is worth considering for any activity with contact or a risk of falls, such as basketball, soccer, football, hockey, and skateboarding. We're glad to talk through what makes sense for your child's activities.
- Can my child wear a mouthguard with braces?
- Yes. We can make a mouthguard designed to fit comfortably over braces and help protect both the teeth and the orthodontic hardware.
- How do we care for and store it?
- Rinse it after each use, brush it gently, and store it in a ventilated case away from heat. Bring it to checkups so we can make sure it still fits as your child grows.