Overview: Mouthguards for Young Athletes
A mouthguard is a flexible appliance worn over the teeth to absorb impact during sports. This guide helps parents of school-age and teen athletes choose the right type, understand fit, and know when to involve a pediatric dentist.
Children and teens are active in a wide range of sports, and many of these activities carry risk of facial impact. Dental and oral injuries from sports are common in young athletes and can involve chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, lip and tongue lacerations, and jaw injuries [1]. The National Athletic Trainers' Association considers mouthguards a key piece of protective equipment for sports with risk of orofacial contact [1].
Visit the pediatric-dentistry page to learn how pediatric dental specialists help fit, monitor, and replace mouthguards as children grow.
Key Information About Mouthguards
Mouthguards come in three main categories: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-fitted. Each type differs in fit, comfort, cost, and protection level [1].
Stock Mouthguards
Stock mouthguards come preformed and ready to wear out of the package. They are the least expensive option and are sold at most sporting goods stores [3].
Because the shape is fixed, stock guards often fit loosely and can make breathing and speaking harder. Young athletes may push them around with the tongue or remove them often, which reduces the protection they offer [1]. Many sports medicine groups discourage stock guards when better options are available.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are made from a thermoplastic material that softens in hot water. The child bites into the warm material so it molds around the teeth, giving a better fit than a stock guard [3].
These guards are widely available and cost much less than custom appliances. They are a reasonable choice for recreational sports, growing mouths, and families who want a balance of cost and fit [3]. For best results, follow the package instructions exactly and remold if the guard becomes loose.
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
Custom-fitted mouthguards are made by a dentist from an impression or digital scan of the child's mouth. The dental team fabricates the guard so it fits each tooth and the bite, then adjusts it for comfort [1].
Custom guards tend to be thinner where comfort matters, thicker where protection matters, and more retentive during play. Research and position statements from sports medicine groups generally support custom guards as the highest-quality option for athletes at higher risk of injury [1]. Results vary by sport, fit quality, and consistent use.
What to Know Before Getting a Mouthguard
Most children who play organized sports with contact risk can benefit from a mouthguard, often starting around the time they begin team play. The right timing depends on the child's sport, age, and stage of dental development [2].
Children's mouths change quickly. Baby teeth fall out, permanent teeth come in, and the jaw grows. A guard that fit well last season may be tight, loose, or worn by the next season [1]. Pediatric dentists check fit during regular visits and can adjust or remake guards as needed.
Some children wear braces or other orthodontic appliances. In these cases, a guard must accommodate brackets and wires without pinching soft tissue. Talk with your dentist or orthodontist about a guard designed for orthodontic patients before the season starts [2].
- Sports with higher orofacial risk commonly include football, ice hockey, lacrosse, field hockey, wrestling, boxing, martial arts, basketball, soccer, and skateboarding [3].
- Age: a child who can follow instructions about wearing and caring for a guard is usually old enough to use one.
- Braces: ask your provider about a guard sized to fit over orthodontic appliances [2].
- Care: rinse after each use, brush gently, and store in a vented case away from heat [3].
What to Expect at a Custom Mouthguard Visit
A custom mouthguard visit usually takes one short appointment for the impression or scan, followed by a brief return visit to pick up the guard and check the fit. The process is comfortable and non-invasive.
At the first visit, the dental team examines the child's teeth, bite, and any orthodontic appliances. They take an impression with soft putty or a digital scanner that captures the shape of the upper teeth and gums [1]. The impression or scan is sent to a lab or processed in-office, where the guard is fabricated to the child's exact dimensions.
At the second visit, the child tries the finished guard. The dentist checks retention, comfort, breathing, and speech. Small adjustments are common. Parents and athletes receive instructions on insertion, removal, cleaning, and storage [3].
- Visit 1: exam, impression or digital scan, color and design choice.
- Lab time: typically several days to a couple of weeks.
- Visit 2: fitting, adjustments, and home-care instructions.
- Follow-up: re-evaluation each season or when fit changes.
Cost Factors and Insurance
Mouthguard cost depends on the type, the provider, and the local market. Costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity.
Stock and boil-and-bite mouthguards from sporting goods stores are the lowest-cost option and can be purchased without a dental visit [3]. Custom-fitted guards from a dentist cost more because they involve an exam, impression or scan, lab work, and fitting time. Many families find the added cost worthwhile for athletes in higher-risk sports or those with braces or prior dental work [1].
Dental insurance coverage for mouthguards varies. Some plans cover a portion of a custom athletic mouthguard for children, while others do not. Call your plan or ask the dental office to verify benefits before the appointment. Health spending accounts and flexible spending accounts may also apply.
When to See a Pediatric Dental Specialist
See a pediatric dentist when your child plays a sport with orofacial risk, has had a prior dental injury, wears braces, or has dental conditions that need extra protection. A general dentist can also fit mouthguards; a pediatric specialist focuses on children's growth and behavior.
Pediatric dentists complete additional training in the dental care of infants, children, and teens, including patients with special health care needs [2]. They are familiar with mixed dentition (baby and adult teeth together), orthodontic considerations, and age-appropriate communication during fitting.
Seek prompt dental care if your child suffers a sports injury that involves a knocked-out tooth, a fractured tooth, persistent bleeding, a jaw that does not close normally, or a mouthguard that breaks during play. The National Athletic Trainers' Association notes that quick management of dental trauma improves outcomes [1].
Find a Pediatric Dentist Near You
Ready to protect your young athlete? Browse the pediatric-dentistry page to find pediatric dental specialists in your area who fit custom mouthguards, monitor fit through growth changes, and handle dental injuries when they happen.
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