As a parent, you do everything you can to keep your child safe — you double-knot their cleats, pack their water bottle, and cheer them on from the sidelines. But when it comes to sports safety, there’s one piece of equipment many parents overlook: the mouthguard.
Mouthguards are a simple, affordable, and highly effective way to protect your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw from injury while they play the sports they love.
Why Mouthguards Matter
Kids are active. They run, jump, fall, and collide with teammates — it’s part of growing up and playing sports. Unfortunately, those fun moments can also lead to dental injuries.
The American Dental Association estimates that mouthguards prevent over 200,000 oral injuries every year. Without one, your child’s smile is at risk for:
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Cut lips or cheeks
- Jaw fractures
- Tooth loss
- Concussions (due to impact transmitted through the jaw)
These injuries can be painful, costly to repair, and — in some cases — lifelong. A mouthguard acts like a cushion, absorbing impact and dramatically lowering the chance of these injuries.
Sports That Need Mouthguards (It’s More Than Just Football!)
Many parents think mouthguards are just for football players. But dental injuries happen in a wide variety of sports — even those that aren’t considered “full contact.” Here are some sports where a mouthguard is recommended:
- Basketball – Collisions, flying elbows, and fast-paced play make this a high-risk sport for dental injuries.
- Soccer – Accidental kicks, headers, and falls can lead to chipped or knocked-out teeth.
- Hockey – Whether it’s ice or field hockey, sticks and balls can do serious damage.
- Gymnastics & Cheerleading – Falls during routines can lead to face-first impacts.
- Martial Arts & Wrestling – Close contact sports make mouth protection a must.
- Skateboarding, Biking & Scootering – Falls on hard surfaces are common, and a mouthguard can help protect their teeth.
If your child participates in any activity where falls, collisions, or contact are possible, a mouthguard is a smart choice.
The Benefits Go Beyond Broken Teeth
Mouthguards aren’t just about preventing chipped or missing teeth. They also:
- Protect Soft Tissues: A blow to the face without a mouthguard can result in deep cuts to the lips, tongue, and cheeks.
- Reduce Risk of Concussions: A properly fitted mouthguard can help absorb shock, protecting the jaw joint and reducing concussion severity.
- Support Confidence: When kids feel safe, they play better. Knowing their teeth are protected helps them focus on the game.
Custom vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards
There are three main types of mouthguards:
- Stock Mouthguards – Pre-formed and ready to wear. These are the least expensive but also the least comfortable.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards – Available at most sporting goods stores. You soften them in hot water, then have your child bite down to form a fit.
- Custom-Fit Mouthguards – Made by a dentist using an impression of your child’s teeth. These provide the best fit, comfort, and protection.
Why Custom is Worth It:
Custom mouthguards stay in place better, don’t interfere with breathing or talking, and offer superior protection. They’re especially important for kids with braces, since a custom fit can protect both the teeth and orthodontic hardware.
Caring for Your Child’s Mouthguard
Once you invest in a mouthguard, it’s important to keep it clean and in good condition:
- Rinse after every use.
- Brush it gently with toothpaste daily.
- Store in a ventilated container to prevent bacteria growth.
- Replace if it shows signs of wear or if your child’s mouth grows or changes (common in kids and teens).
The Bottom Line
A mouthguard is one of the easiest, most effective ways to protect your child’s smile and avoid costly dental injuries.
📅 If your child plays sports, now is the perfect time to get them fitted for a custom mouthguard. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in their health, safety, and confidence — both on and off the field.