Sports Mouthguards for Kids in Beaverton, OR
A good mouthguard is the simplest way to protect your young athlete’s teeth, lips, and jaw. Here is how to choose one and keep it in shape.
Why it matters more than parents expect
Mouth injuries are among the most common sports injuries in children, and they are not limited to football. A stray elbow in a basketball game, a slide into home plate, or a fall from a skateboard can chip or dislodge teeth in a moment.
Permanent front teeth are especially exposed. Losing one is not just a cosmetic issue. It can mean years of dental care. A mouthguard costs far less than that, in money and in worry.
Three types of mouthguards
Stock
Ready-made and inexpensive, but they come in limited sizes and often fit loosely. Your child may have to clench to keep it in, which makes breathing and talking harder.
Boil-and-bite
Softened in hot water and shaped to the teeth by biting. A better fit than stock, and easy to find at sporting goods stores. Follow the directions carefully.
Custom-fitted
Made from an impression of your child’s teeth for a precise fit. These tend to be the most comfortable and protective. Ask us what options make sense for your child’s age and sport.
The best mouthguard is the one your child will actually wear. A comfortable fit makes that much likelier.
Match the guard to the athlete
| Situation | What to think about |
|---|---|
| Kids with braces | Use a guard designed for braces, and never wear a retainer while playing. |
| Kids losing baby teeth | Fit changes quickly. Check it often and replace when it loosens. |
| Contact or collision sports | Prioritize a well-fitted boil-and-bite or custom guard. |
| Non-contact but active play | Skateboarding, scooters, biking, and gymnastics can still lead to face injuries. |
| Young beginners | Introduce it during practice so it feels normal by game day. |
Kids in Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Tigard play everything from THPRD youth leagues to school teams, and the guidance is the same across sports: if a fall or contact could reach the face, wear the guard.
Keeping a mouthguard clean and useful
- Rinse with cool water before and after each use.
- Brush it gently with a toothbrush and mild soap, and let it air dry.
- Store it in a ventilated case, not a pocket or gym bag.
- Keep it away from heat, hot cars, and hot water, which can warp it.
- Check for cracks, thin spots, or bite-through marks.
- Do not let your child chew on it or share it.
Setting your child up to wear it
- Make it theirs. Let your child choose the color, if the type allows.
- Start early. Wear it at practice, not just games.
- Practice talking with it. Coaches’ calls and team chatter are easier with a comfortable guard.
- Lead by example. Older siblings and coaches who wear theirs make a difference.
What coaches and parents can do
Teams that make mouthguards a rule, not an option, see better follow-through. If your child’s league does not require one, you can still make it a family rule. A few ideas:
- Pack it in the sports bag the night before, along with shin guards or cleats.
- Keep a spare in the car, since a lost guard should not mean a skipped safeguard.
- Ask your child’s coach to remind players before warmups.
- Bring the guard to a checkup so we can look at fit as teeth change.
Athletes at every level, from first-time T-ball players to high school starters, can benefit. If your child has had a mouth injury before, or has protruding front teeth, protection matters even more, and Dr. Hsu can talk about what is best.
Signs it is time for a new one
Look for thinning plastic, teeth marks that have worn through, a strange smell that will not wash out, or a fit that has gone loose. Children often chew on guards when nervous, which weakens them quickly. When in doubt, bring it to us and we will take a look during a visit, no fuss. Swapping one out is far easier than repairing a chipped front tooth.
Retainers, night guards, and other appliances
A sports mouthguard is not the same thing as a retainer or a night guard. Retainers are not built to absorb impact, and wearing one during a game can make an injury worse. If your child wears an orthodontic appliance, ask their orthodontist how to handle sports season, and let us know so we can check the fit of everything together at their next visit.
If an injury happens anyway
Even with a guard, accidents occur. Check for bleeding, loose or missing teeth, and cuts inside the lip or cheek. If a tooth is knocked out or chipped, call us right away at (503) 822-0096. Our guide to children’s dental emergencies walks through each situation. Any head injury, loss of consciousness, or suspected jaw fracture belongs in the emergency room first.
Even injuries that seem minor deserve a follow-up. A tooth that darkens or a gum bump that appears weeks later can be a sign of trouble under the surface.
Making it part of the routine
Ask about mouthguards at your child’s regular cleanings and checkups, especially before a new season. Teens can find more tips on our teen dentistry page, and kids being watched for alignment may want to review early orthodontic screening. See all of our pediatric dentistry services too.
Questions parents (and adults) often ask
Which sports need a mouthguard?
ADA and AAPD recommend mouthguards for any sport with a risk of falls, collisions, or contact with equipment, such as football, basketball, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, baseball, softball, skateboarding, and martial arts. Ask if your child’s sport is not on that list.
Does my child need a mouthguard if they have braces?
Yes, and perhaps even more so. Braces can cut lips and cheeks on impact. A guard made for braces protects both the appliance and the soft tissue. Ask your orthodontist or us about a suitable one.
How do I know if a mouthguard fits?
It should stay in place without your child biting to hold it, cover the back teeth, not cause gagging, and allow easy breathing and talking. If it slips, rattles, or feels bulky, it is not doing its job.
How often should a mouthguard be replaced?
Kids grow and lose teeth quickly, so check fit at least each season. Replace it if it is worn, cracked, or no longer snug, and after growth spurts or when many teeth have come in or out.
Can my child wear a mouthguard over baby teeth?
Yes. Even young athletes can benefit. The fit matters more, since teeth are changing. We can talk about what is best at your child’s stage.
What if my child’s tooth is knocked out during a game?
For a permanent tooth, handle it by the crown, place it in milk or back in the socket, and call (503) 822-0096 immediately. For a baby tooth, do not replant. See our children’s dental emergencies page.
Does insurance cover a sports mouthguard?
Many plans do not cover mouthguards, though some do. Ask us and we will check your plan before you decide. See our insurance and payment options page or call (503) 822-0096.
Ready to book your child’s visit?
Tell us a little about your family and we’ll reach out to find a time that works. New patients — kids, teens and adults — are welcome, and we accept almost all dental insurance and the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).