Why young athletes need a mouthguard
Mouth injuries are common in sports, from basketball and soccer to skateboarding and martial arts. The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for contact and collision sports and for recreational activities that carry a risk of falls or impact. A mouthguard helps cushion the teeth, lips and cheeks. It cannot prevent every injury, and no mouthguard is proven to prevent concussions, so follow your child’s coach and health care provider on other safety gear.
The three types of mouthguards
Mouthguards generally come in three kinds: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom. Stock guards come ready-made and are usually the least expensive. They are often bulky and can be uncomfortable, so kids may not wear them. This post focuses on the two choices most families weigh: boil-and-bite versus custom.
Boil-and-bite vs. custom at a glance
| Boil-and-bite | Custom guard | |
|---|---|---|
| How it is made | Softened in hot water, then bitten into at home | Made from an impression or digital scan of your child’s teeth |
| Fit | Better than stock; can vary with technique | Typically the most precise fit |
| Comfort and breathing | Can be bulky; some kids find it hard to talk | Often thinner and more comfortable |
| Cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Growing mouths | Easy to replace as teeth change | May need to be remade as teeth come in or shift |
| Braces | Not always a good match; ask your orthodontist | Can be designed for braces, with advice from the orthodontist |
What matters most for kids
Children’s mouths change quickly. Baby teeth loosen, permanent teeth erupt, and jaws grow. A guard that fit well in the fall may not fit in the spring. That makes the lower upfront cost of a boil-and-bite guard appealing for fast-growing athletes, while teens whose teeth are more settled, or athletes in higher-impact sports, may prefer the fit of a custom guard.
Comfort drives use. A guard in a gym bag does nothing. If a child will only wear one type, that is the better choice for that child.
How to choose: questions to ask
- What sport does my child play, and how much contact or impact is there?
- Does my child wear braces or other orthodontic appliances?
- How many baby teeth are loose or about to be replaced?
- Will my child actually wear it, and can they breathe and talk comfortably?
- What is our budget, and how often might it need replacing?
Which activities call for a mouthguard?
Think beyond the obvious team sports. Ask your dentist about guards for any activity where a fall, elbow or ball could hit the face.
- Football, hockey, lacrosse, basketball, soccer and wrestling
- Martial arts, boxing and gymnastics
- Skateboarding, biking, scootering and skating
- Baseball and softball, where balls and bats move fast
Signs your child’s guard is not working
Watch for a guard that falls out, makes it hard to breathe or talk, causes gum sores, or gets chewed through. Kids tend to stop wearing a guard that bothers them, so speak up early. A better-fitting style, a refit, or a different type may solve the problem.
Getting a good boil-and-bite fit
Follow the package directions closely, because too-hot water can warp the guard and too-short fitting can leave it loose. Have an adult help.
- Read the directions. Heat and timing vary by brand.
- Soften it. Use the recommended water temperature and time, then let it cool briefly so it is not hot in the mouth.
- Bite and mold. Place it over the teeth, bite down gently, and press with fingers and tongue as directed.
- Cool and check. Rinse in cool water. It should sit snugly, cover all teeth, and not rub the gums.
- Refit if needed. If it is loose or uncomfortable, ask about reshaping options or a different style.
Where braces and teen years fit in
Teens and preteens often play more intense sports and may be in orthodontic treatment at the same time. That is a good moment to revisit the guard type with your dentist or orthodontist, since braces change how a guard should fit. Mouthguards are typically recommended for sports at any level, including school teams, club leagues, and weekend pickup games. A guard is a small cost compared with the time, expense and stress of treating a broken or lost tooth.
Caring for a mouthguard
Good habits help any guard last and stay clean.
- Rinse with cool water or brush gently before and after use.
- Store in a ventilated, hard case, away from heat such as a hot car.
- Do not chew on it, share it, or let pets near it.
- Replace it if it is cracked, torn, thin, or no longer fits.
- Wear it for practices as well as games.
What we can do at Bien Dental
At your child’s checkup, we can talk through the options for their sport, age and teeth, including whether a boil-and-bite or custom guard is the better fit and how to obtain one. Dr. Richard Hsu, DMD, a pediatric dentist, and our team are glad to answer questions. Learn more on our mouthguards and sports dentistry page, and see teen dentistry for older athletes.
If a tooth is knocked out or broken, treat it as urgent and read our pediatric emergency guide. Coverage for dental services depends on the member’s plan and eligibility, and we verify before the visit. See insurance and financing.
When should kids start wearing a mouthguard?
Start when your child begins any sport or activity with a risk of falls, collisions, or flying equipment. For many families that is the first organized season, often in elementary school, and it applies to practices as well as games.
Mouthguard needs change as kids grow:
- Young kids with loose teeth. Tooth loss changes fit quickly, so plan on replacing a guard during the season if needed.
- Preteens in mixed dentition. Look for a guard that covers all teeth without pushing on loose ones.
- Teens with most permanent teeth. The fit may last longer, but braces and growth spurts still matter.
Can a mouthguard prevent concussions?
No guard can promise to prevent a concussion. Mouthguards protect teeth, lips, and cheeks, and may help absorb some force, but head injuries need their own safety plan, such as proper helmets and rules. If your child has any head injury symptoms, seek medical care.
Do kids need a mouthguard for soccer, basketball, or biking?
Often yes. Contact and collision sports get the most attention, but elbows, balls, and falls cause mouth injuries in sports like soccer, basketball, and cycling too. Many Beaverton, Aloha, and Hillsboro families sign up for youth leagues, so ask your child’s coach whether a mouthguard is required.
| Question | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Loose baby teeth? | A guard can still be worn. Choose a comfortable fit and replace it if teeth shift. |
| Aligners or retainers? | Do not wear them under a guard. Ask your orthodontist what to use. |
| Braces on top and bottom? | Ask whether a guard for both arches makes sense. |
| Guard feels too big or causes gagging? | Try a better fit or style; a guard in the bag protects nothing. |
What is a good game-day mouthguard checklist?
- Rinse and check. Look for cracks, thin spots, and sharp edges.
- Try it on. It should stay in place without biting down.
- Pack the case. A ventilated case keeps it clean and safe.
- Wear it for practice. Habits start early.
Learn more about mouthguards and sports dentistry, teen dentistry, and what to do for a knocked-out tooth. Request an appointment to talk through options with Dr. Hsu, or see our OHP page for coverage questions.
This article is general education, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an exam. If your child has swelling, fever or serious pain, call us right away; in a life-threatening emergency, call 911.