Mouthguards 101: Why Every Young Athlete Needs One for a Healthy Smile

Whether your child plays soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, skateboards, rides a bike, or spends weekends on the field, sports are a fantastic way for kids to stay active, build confidence, and have fun.

But there's one piece of athletic equipment that parents sometimes forget: a mouthguard.

A mouthguard may not look as exciting as a new pair of cleats or a favorite team jersey, but when it comes to protecting your child's smile, it can be an important part of their sports gear.

At Sedona Molar Kids, our goal is to help families understand how everyday activities—including sports—can affect children's dental health. Here's what parents in Sedona, AZ should know about mouthguards and young athletes.

What Is a Mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a protective device worn over the teeth during certain sports and physical activities. It creates a cushioning layer between the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth and can help reduce the risk of dental injuries.

A well-fitting mouthguard can help protect:

• Teeth

• Lips

• Cheeks

• Tongue

• Gums

• Jaw

While no mouthguard can prevent every sports-related dental injury, wearing one can provide an additional layer of protection when your child is participating in activities where falls, collisions, or impacts can happen.

Why Do Kids Need Mouthguards for Sports?

Kids are naturally active—and sometimes unpredictable!

A soccer ball can take an unexpected bounce. A basketball player can collide with another player. A skateboarder can lose their balance. A hockey puck can travel quickly in the wrong direction.

Even sports that don't seem particularly dangerous can involve accidental contact or falls.

Dental injuries can range from a chipped tooth to a knocked-out permanent tooth. Depending on the injury, treatment may involve emergency dental care, restorative treatment, or long-term monitoring.

That's why sports mouthguards for kids are an important consideration for parents.

Which Sports Require a Mouthguard?

The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for children and adults participating in sports and recreational activities where there is a risk of injury to the mouth.

Some activities where mouthguards may be particularly useful include:

• Football

• Hockey

• Lacrosse

• Basketball

• Soccer

• Baseball and softball

• Wrestling

• Martial arts

• Skateboarding

• BMX and cycling

• Gymnastics

• Other contact or collision sports

Of course, every child and activity is different. If you're unsure whether your child's sport calls for a mouthguard, ask your pediatric dentist in Sedona, AZ.

Not All Mouthguards Are the Same

If you've walked through a sporting goods store, you've probably seen several types of mouthguards.

Stock Mouthguards

These come pre-formed and are generally the least expensive option. Because they are already shaped, they may not fit every child's mouth comfortably.

A poor fit can make it harder for a child to talk, breathe, or keep the mouthguard securely in place.

Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

These mouthguards are softened in hot water and then molded around the child's teeth.

They generally provide a more customized fit than a stock mouthguard, although the quality of the fit can vary depending on the product and how it is molded.

Custom-Fitted Mouthguards

A dentist can create a mouthguard specifically for your child's mouth.

Because it is designed to fit the individual child, a custom mouthguard can provide comfort, stability, and protection while allowing your child to participate in their sport without constantly adjusting their gear.

For young athletes who participate frequently in sports, especially higher-contact activities, parents may want to discuss custom sports mouthguards with their pediatric dentist.

Why Fit Matters

Imagine trying to run around a soccer field while constantly biting down on a mouthguard that doesn't fit correctly.

Not exactly a winning strategy!

A mouthguard should stay securely in place without requiring your child to constantly clench their teeth to keep it there.

If your child complains that their mouthguard:

• Falls out frequently

• Makes breathing difficult

• Makes talking uncomfortable

• Causes gagging

• Feels painful

• Doesn't fit properly

…it may be time to have it evaluated.

A pediatric dentist can help determine whether the mouthguard is appropriate for your child's mouth and stage of dental development.

What About Braces?

If your child has braces or other orthodontic appliances, protecting their mouth during sports becomes especially important.

A regular mouthguard may not be appropriate for a child with braces because the appliance changes the shape and needs of the mouth.

Talk with your child's dentist or orthodontist about choosing a mouthguard designed for kids with braces.

The right protection should accommodate orthodontic appliances while allowing room for the teeth and jaw to change as treatment progresses.

When Should Kids Replace Their Mouthguards?

Children's mouths are constantly changing.

They're losing baby teeth, growing permanent teeth, and—if they're lucky—growing taller every time you turn around!

That means a mouthguard that fit perfectly last season may not fit as well this season.

Parents should regularly check for:

• Tears or holes

• Excessive wear

• Changes in fit

• Chewed or damaged areas

• Discoloration or deterioration

• A mouthguard that no longer stays securely in place

Your child's mouthguard should also be replaced as their mouth develops or whenever it becomes damaged.

How Should Kids Take Care of a Mouthguard?

A mouthguard goes directly into your child's mouth, so keeping it clean is important.

Teach your young athlete to:

Rinse it after every use.Use cool or lukewarm water to remove saliva and debris.

Let it dry. Store it somewhere ventilated rather than putting a wet mouthguard immediately into a closed container.

Keep it in a case.A protective container can help prevent damage and keep the mouthguard cleaner between uses.

Don't chew on it.Chewing can damage the material and shorten its useful life.

Don't share it.Mouthguards are personal oral appliances and shouldn't be shared—even between siblings!

Bring it to dental visits.Your child's dentist can check whether it still fits properly.

What If Your Child Doesn't Want to Wear One?

This is where parents may need a little creativity.

Kids may complain that mouthguards feel uncomfortable, make talking harder, or simply aren't "cool."

Try letting your child participate in choosing their mouthguard. Depending on the sport and type of mouthguard, they may be able to choose a color or design that matches their team.

You can also explain that a mouthguard is simply another piece of sports equipment—just like a helmet, shin guards, or protective pads.

And remember: comfort matters. If your child is constantly removing the mouthguard because it doesn't fit well, talk to their dentist about alternatives.

What Should Parents Do If a Tooth Gets Injured?

Even with protective equipment, accidents can happen.

If your child chips, cracks, loosens, or knocks out a tooth during sports, contact your child's dentist as soon as possible.

A knocked-out permanent tooth is a dental emergency. The American Association of Endodontists recommends seeking immediate dental care and handling the tooth carefully, avoiding contact with the root.

For a knocked-out permanent tooth, parents should avoid scrubbing the tooth or attempting to remove attached tissue. If possible, keep the tooth moist while seeking emergency dental care and follow professional guidance regarding storage and replantation.

If you're unsure what to do after a sports-related dental injury, call your child's dental office for instructions.

Sports, Mouthguards, and Preventive Kids Dentistry

Preventing dental injuries is only one part of maintaining your child's oral health.

Regular pediatric dental visits help monitor your child's teeth as they grow and develop. Your dentist can check for cavities, evaluate oral hygiene, monitor the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth, and discuss concerns specific to your child's activities.

For young athletes, dental visits can also be a great time to ask questions about:

• Sports mouthguards

• Dental injuries

• Braces and sports

• Tooth grinding

• Oral hygiene for athletes

• Fluoride

• Healthy snacks for active kids

• Protecting permanent teeth

At Sedona Molar Kids, we believe that children's dentistry is about more than simply treating cavities. It's about helping kids develop healthy habits and giving parents the information they need to protect their children's smiles.

A Healthy Smile Is Part of the Team

Sports teach children so many valuable lessons: teamwork, discipline, resilience, confidence, and how to celebrate a win—and handle a loss.

Protecting their teeth should be part of the game plan, too.

A properly fitted mouthguard is a simple step that can help protect your young athlete's smile during sports and recreational activities.

So before your child's next practice or game in Sedona, AZ, check the equipment bag.

Cleats? Check.

Water bottle? Check.

Team jersey? Check.

Mouthguard? Don't leave home without it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Kids' Mouthguards

At what age should my child start wearing a mouthguard?

There isn't one specific age when every child should start. The decision depends on the activity, risk of injury, and your child's dental development. Ask your pediatric dentist whether a mouthguard is appropriate for your child.

Does my child need a mouthguard for soccer?

Soccer involves running, falls, and player-to-player contact, so there is a risk of dental injury. A mouthguard can provide additional protection during play.

Can my child wear a mouthguard with braces?

Yes, but children with braces should use a mouthguard appropriate for orthodontic appliances. Ask your dentist or orthodontist which type is suitable.

How often should a child's mouthguard be replaced?

Replace it when it becomes damaged, worn, or no longer fits properly. Because children's mouths change as they grow, their dentist should periodically evaluate the fit.

Are expensive mouthguards better?

Price alone doesn't determine how appropriate a mouthguard is. Fit, comfort, retention, and the child's specific dental needs are important considerations.

Can my child sleep with a sports mouthguard?

Sports mouthguards are designed for athletic activities, not routine nighttime use. If your child needs protection while sleeping because of teeth grinding or another concern, talk with your pediatric dentist about an appropriate appliance.

Looking for a Pediatric Dentist in Sedona, AZ?

Your child's smile is worth protecting—on the field, on the court, on the trail, and everywhere in between.

If you have questions about kids' mouthguards, sports-related dental injuries, preventive dentistry, or your child's developing smile, talk with the team at Sedona Molar Kids.

Regular pediatric dental care, good oral hygiene, and the right protective equipment can help your young athlete keep smiling through every season.