Sports Mouthguards for Kids: When to Use One and How to Choose
Dental injuries are common in youth sports. A knocked-out tooth, broken tooth, or serious cut to the lips or gums can be painful, expensive to treat, and sometimes permanent.
One of the best ways to reduce that risk is with a properly fitted sports mouthguard. Here’s what Los Angeles parents should know about when your child needs one, which type to choose, and how to take care of it.
Which Sports Require a Mouthguard?
Contact sports carry an obvious risk of dental injury, but many non-contact sports can also lead to falls, collisions, or impacts to the face.
Mouthguards are commonly recommended for:
Football, hockey, lacrosse, and rugby
Basketball and soccer
Baseball and softball
Wrestling, martial arts, and boxing
Skateboarding, mountain biking, and BMX
Gymnastics and cheerleading
Water polo
If your child plays a sport where falls, collisions, or fast-moving equipment are possible, a mouthguard is a smart protective measure.
Types of Mouthguards
There are three main types of mouthguards:
Stock mouthguards: These are ready-made, one-size-fits-most guards available at sporting goods stores. They are inexpensive, but the fit is often loose or uncomfortable, which may make children less likely to wear them consistently.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards: These guards are softened in hot water and molded to your child’s teeth at home. They usually fit better than stock options and can work well for recreational sports.
Custom-fitted mouthguards: These are made by a dentist to match your child’s mouth and teeth. They offer the most precise fit and are often the most comfortable option for children who play sports regularly.
Why Custom-Fitted Mouthguards Can Be Better
A custom mouthguard is made specifically for your child’s teeth, which helps it stay securely in place during activity. A better fit can also make it easier to breathe, speak, and stay comfortable while playing.
For children who wear braces, the right mouthguard is especially important. Standard guards may not fit properly over brackets and wires.
Ask our team about orthodontic mouthguard options if your child is currently wearing braces.
How to Care for a Mouthguard
Proper care can help your child’s mouthguard last longer and stay clean:
Rinse it with cool water before and after each use.
Clean it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap.
Avoid using abrasive toothpaste, which can scratch the surface.
Store it in a ventilated protective case.
Keep it away from heat, including hot cars and direct sunlight, which can cause warping.
Bring it to dental checkups so the fit and condition can be inspected.
Replace it if it becomes worn, torn, damaged, or too small as your child grows.
Get a Custom Mouthguard at Kidztopia
At Kidztopia Dental & Braces in Los Angeles, we provide custom sports mouthguards for kids and teens who participate in a variety of sports.
The process typically involves taking an impression or scan of your child’s teeth, then fitting the finished mouthguard once it’s ready.
Call 323-410-4401 or book an appointment to get your athlete fitted before the next season begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
As soon as they start playing sports where injury is possible, typically around age 5 or 6. Mouthguards for young kids need to be sized properly and replaced as their mouths grow. For very young kids, boil-and-bite guards can work well; for kids playing at competitive levels, custom-fitted guards from a pediatric dentist are worth the investment.
Yes, and it’s actually more important. Braces increase the risk of soft-tissue injuries during dental trauma. Standard boil-and-bite mouthguards don’t fit properly over brackets. Ask our team at Kidztopia about orthodontic mouthguards specifically designed to fit over braces and protect both the teeth and the appliance.
For kids, plan on replacing mouthguards at least once a year, or whenever it becomes worn, torn, or feels tight. Kids’ mouths grow quickly, and a mouthguard that fits poorly doesn’t protect properly. Custom mouthguards last longer than boil-and-bite versions but still need periodic replacement as your child grows.
For a knocked-out permanent tooth, act fast: pick the tooth up by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently with clean water, and if possible put it back in the socket. If that isn’t possible, store it in milk or your child’s saliva and get to a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth. Call Kidztopia Dental & Braces at 323-410-4401 right away or, for after-hours emergencies, go to your nearest emergency room.