A ball to the face or a fall on the court can chip, loosen, or knock out a tooth in a second. A well-fitting mouth guard is one of the easiest ways to protect your child’s teeth during sports. We can make a custom mouth guard that fits your child’s bite, stays in place, and is comfortable enough that they’ll actually wear it.
Which sports need a mouth guard?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends mouth guards for any sport or activity with a risk of falls or contact with other players or equipment. That includes the obvious ones, like football, hockey, lacrosse, and martial arts, and many others that parents don’t always think of:
- Basketball and soccer
- Baseball and softball, especially for infielders and batters
- Volleyball
- Wrestling and boxing
- Skateboarding, biking, and scootering
- Gymnastics and cheer
If your child’s face could meet a ball, an elbow, or the ground, a mouth guard is a good idea, at games and practices alike.
Custom vs. store-bought mouth guards
There are three main types:
Stock mouth guards come ready to wear. They’re inexpensive but bulky and often loose, which makes it hard for kids to talk and breathe while wearing them.
Boil-and-bite mouth guards are softened in hot water and shaped by biting down. They fit better than stock guards and are a reasonable option if a custom guard isn’t possible.
Custom mouth guards are made from a model of your child’s teeth. They fit closely, stay put without clenching, and allow easier breathing and speaking. That comfort matters, since a guard only works if your child keeps it in.
Getting a custom mouth guard
We take an impression or scan of your child’s teeth, and the guard is made to fit that model. At a second short visit, we check the fit and make any adjustments.
Because children’s mouths change as teeth come in and fall out, a custom guard may need to be remade as your child grows. We’ll check the fit at checkups.
Caring for a mouth guard
- Rinse it with cool water before and after each use.
- Brush it gently with a toothbrush and mild soap.
- Store it in a vented case so it can dry.
- Keep it out of hot cars and away from hot water, which can warp it.
- Bring it to checkups so we can look for wear.
Replace the guard if it’s torn, cracked, or no longer fits snugly.
If an injury happens anyway
If your child chips or knocks out a tooth, call us right away. For a knocked-out adult tooth, time matters. Our Dental Trauma and Emergency Dentistry pages explain what to do in the first few minutes.
Can my child wear a mouth guard with braces?
Yes, and they should. Braces add another reason to protect the lips and cheeks. Talk with us or your orthodontist about the best type of guard for your child’s appliance.
Is a sports mouth guard the same as a night guard?
No. A sports guard is thicker and designed to absorb impact. A Night Guards appliance is thinner and made to protect teeth from grinding during sleep.
At what age should my child start wearing a mouth guard?
Whenever they start playing a sport with a risk of contact or falls, even in early youth leagues.
Related: Dental Trauma, Emergency Dentistry, Night Guards, Preventive Dentistry