Sports Mouthguards

A sports mouthguard is a removable appliance made from durable plastic that fits over the teeth to absorb and distribute forces from collisions or impacts. It is designed to protect teeth, lips, cheeks and the soft tissues of the mouth during athletic activity. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard significantly reduces the risk of dental and facial injuries that commonly occur in contact and collision sports.

Beyond protecting individual teeth, a mouthguard helps prevent cuts and lacerations to soft tissues and can reduce the chance of tooth displacement or avulsion. For young athletes, a mouthguard also protects developing permanent teeth and dental work. Using one is a simple, proactive step families can take to preserve a child s smile while playing sports.

Any athlete who participates in activities with a risk of body contact, falls, or being struck by objects should wear a mouthguard, including children and teens in organized sports and recreational activities. Examples include football, soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, skateboarding and martial arts, but many other activities carry some level of risk. Coaches, parents and caregivers should encourage consistent mouthguard use for participants of all ages to reduce preventable injuries.

Children with active play habits, those who wear dental appliances or have previous dental injuries are especially good candidates for mouthguards. Pediatric dentists often recommend mouthguards for youth sports where rapid growth and orthodontic changes make injuries more likely. A mouthguard is a standard part of protective gear just like helmets and pads in many sports settings.

There are three main categories of mouthguards: stock or ready to wear, boil and bite, and custom fabricated mouthguards from a dental office. Stock mouthguards are inexpensive and come preformed but often fit poorly and can interfere with breathing and speech. Boil and bite models soften in hot water and are shaped by biting down, offering an improved but still variable fit compared with custom options.

Custom mouthguards are made from impressions taken by a dental professional and are tailored to an athlete s bite and oral anatomy. Because they provide the most precise fit, custom devices tend to be more comfortable, offer better retention and allow clearer breathing and speaking. The choice depends on the athlete s age, dental status and the level of protection required for the sport.

Custom mouthguards are generally superior to over-the-counter options in fit, comfort and long-term protection because they are fabricated from an exact impression of the athlete s teeth. A properly made custom device distributes forces more effectively and is less likely to shift during play, which enhances both protection and wearability. For athletes who wear braces, have extensive dental restorations or compete at higher levels, a custom mouthguard is often the recommended choice.

Over-the-counter guards can offer basic protection and may be appropriate for occasional or low-contact activities, but they often require frequent adjustment and replacement. Custom devices typically last longer and encourage consistent use because they are more comfortable. Discussing activity level and dental needs with a pediatric dentist helps determine the best option for each child.

Yes, children with braces, spacers or other dental appliances can and should wear mouthguards to protect teeth and soft tissues from injury. Orthodontic hardware increases the risk of cuts and broken brackets during sport-related impacts, so protective coverage that accommodates appliances is important. In many cases a specially designed mouthguard with extra space or a flexible material will provide protection while allowing orthodontic work to continue.

A pediatric dentist or orthodontist can recommend the best approach for a child undergoing treatment, including whether a custom mouthguard is necessary. Custom guards can be fabricated to fit over braces or adjusted as treatment progresses, maintaining protection throughout orthodontic care. Regular evaluation ensures the guard still fits properly as teeth move.

In addition to shielding teeth, a mouthguard cushions the lips, cheeks and tongue from cuts and bruises that frequently occur during sports collisions. It can also absorb and disperse impact forces across the dental arches, which helps reduce the severity of injuries to the jaw and surrounding structures. This broader protection minimizes trauma that might otherwise lead to broken teeth, soft tissue injuries or tooth loss.

While mouthguards are primarily intended to protect oral structures, their ability to reduce certain types of jaw movement may have an indirect effect on head acceleration in some situations, but the evidence regarding concussion prevention remains mixed. Pediatric dentists emphasize that a mouthguard is one component of an overall safety plan that should include helmets, face shields and proper coaching of techniques and rules to reduce injury risk.

Good care extends the life of a mouthguard and keeps it sanitary. Rinse the mouthguard with cool water before and after each use, clean it with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or nonabrasive toothpaste, and allow it to air dry before storing it in a ventilated case. Avoid exposing the guard to high heat, such as direct sunlight or hot water, which can deform the material and reduce its protective properties.

Regularly inspect the mouthguard for signs of wear, tears or distortion and replace it if any damage is found. Do not chew on the guard or use household cleaners that may be harsh on the material. Keeping the protective case clean and bringing the mouthguard to dental visits for professional review helps ensure ongoing safety and performance.

The replacement schedule depends on the type of mouthguard, the athlete s growth and how often the guard is used and cared for. Over-the-counter guards may need replacing each season due to wear and poor long-term fit, while custom mouthguards generally last longer but still require periodic evaluation. For growing children, a mouthguard should be checked frequently and replaced whenever it no longer fits comfortably or when orthodontic changes occur.

Inspect the device monthly for signs of damage such as thinning, cracks or deformities and replace it immediately if any issue is present. If a child experiences a significant blow to the mouth, bring the mouthguard to the dental visit so the dentist can assess both the appliance and the child s teeth. Regular dental follow up ensures the guard remains an effective part of injury prevention.

The team at Lighthouse Kids Dental evaluates each child s dental development, orthodontic status and sport participation to recommend the most appropriate mouthguard solution. We offer guidance on the pros and cons of stock, boil and bite, and custom devices and can fabricate a custom guard when personalized fit and comfort are important. Our pediatric-focused approach ensures the selected guard meets the unique needs of growing smiles.

During a consultation we review fit, material options and care instructions so families know how to maintain their child s mouthguard for optimal protection. We also coordinate with coaches and parents on timing for replacements as a child grows or begins orthodontic treatment. This hands-on support helps families make informed choices that keep kids safe while they play.

A mouthguard fitting at the dental office typically begins with an exam to assess teeth, gums and any dental appliances that may affect fit. For a custom mouthguard the dentist or dental team takes an impression or a digital scan of the upper teeth to create a model for lab fabrication. The appointment includes discussion of the athlete s activity level, any orthodontic needs and instructions for use and care to ensure the device performs as intended.

When the custom guard is returned from the lab we evaluate fit and make any minor adjustments so it is comfortable and stable during speech and breathing. The dentist may provide a follow up check after the first few uses and advise on storage and cleaning best practices. If concerns arise as the child grows or as orthodontic treatment progresses, we schedule rechecks to maintain protection and comfort.