Youth sports bring pride and fear at the same time. You want your child to play hard and stay safe. A mouthguard is one small piece of gear that protects teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw from sudden hits. Many parents grab the first one on the shelf. That choice can lead to poor fit, trouble breathing, and less protection when it matters most. Instead, you can learn the three main types of mouthguards, what to look for in fit, and when to ask for help from Cary pediatric dentistry. This guidance gives you clear steps, simple checks, and direct answers. You will see how the right mouthguard supports growth, speech, and steady breathing during play. You will also know when it is time to replace one. Your child deserves a strong body, a steady smile, and your steady protection.
Why Mouthguards Matter For Young Teeth
One hard hit can crack a tooth or cut a lip. It can also cause a jaw injury that affects growth and sleep. A mouthguard spreads the force of impact across a wider surface. It also keeps the upper and lower teeth from slamming together.
The American Dental Association reports that mouthguards can reduce the risk of oral injury during sports. Contact and collision sports are not the only concern. Even sports like gymnastics or skating can lead to sudden falls.
You protect shins and heads with pads and helmets. You can give teeth the same level of care. A good mouthguard is simple, small, and strong.
The Three Main Types Of Mouthguards
You will see three common types on store shelves and in dental offices. Each type has tradeoffs in cost, comfort, and protection.
| Type | How It Is Made | Protection Level | Fit And Comfort | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | Preformed. You buy and wear it as is. | Low | Loose. Often bulky. Hard to keep in place. | Lowest | Short-term use. Backup only. |
| Boil and Bite | Softened in hot water. Then shaped in the mouth. | Medium | Better fit. Still may feel thick or uneven. | Moderate | Growing kids. Multiple sports seasons. |
| Custom | Made from a dental impression or scan. | High | Snug. Thin. Easier breathing and speech. | Highest | Contact sports. Braces. History of injury. |
Stock mouthguards often sit loose and can fall out during play. Many kids chew on them because they feel odd in the mouth. That habit weakens the material.
Boil and bite guards fit better, yet they still depend on at-home shaping. If the water is too hot or the bite is uneven, the guard may feel tight on one side and loose on the other.
Custom guards from a dentist match the shape of your child’s teeth and gums. They allow clearer speech and easier breathing. They also spread impact more evenly.
How To Check For A Safe Fit
A good mouthguard should pass three simple checks.
- It stays in place without clenching.
- Your child can speak in short phrases.
- Your child can breathe through the nose and mouth.
First, ask your child to open the mouth slightly and move the jaw side to side. The guard should stay in place. It should not rock or drop.
Next, ask your child to count to ten out loud. The words will sound different, yet they should be clear enough to understand.
Then, watch your child jog or move as in practice. Look for gasps or lip biting. Look for constant pulling at the mouthguard. These are signs that the fit is off.
Special Concerns For Growing Mouths And Braces
Children’s teeth and jaws change month by month. A guard that fits in the fall may feel tight by spring. Growth can pull teeth away from the original shape of the guard.
If your child wears braces, protection becomes even more urgent. A hit to bare brackets can cut lips and cheeks. It can also bend wires and slow treatment.
In these cases, custom guards or guards made for braces work best. They leave room for movement and protect both soft tissue and hardware. You should still check the fit every few months.
How To Care For A Mouthguard
Good care keeps the guard clean and strong. It also protects your child from germs.
- Rinse before and after each use with cool water.
- Brush gently with a toothbrush and mild soap.
- Store in a vented, hard case.
- Keep it out of heat and direct sunlight.
- Do not share with teammates or siblings.
Heat can warp the shape and weaken the material. Chewing on the guard can create cracks. Those cracks collect bacteria and reduce protection.
When To Replace A Mouthguard
Even the best mouthguard does not last forever. You should replace it when you see any of these signs.
- Tears, cracks, or thin spots.
- Loose fit or frequent slipping.
- New teeth coming in or recent dental work.
- Strong odor or stains that do not wash off.
For young athletes, a new guard each sports season is a safe rule. Growth and normal wear both change the fit. A quick check at every routine dental visit can help you decide.
When To Ask A Dentist For Help
You do not need to guess on your own. A dentist can look at your child’s bite, braces, and sports schedule. Then the dentist can guide you toward stock, boil and bite, or custom options that fit your budget.
You can bring the current mouthguard to the visit. Ask the dentist to check the edges, thickness, and fit. Ask your child to speak and bite while the dentist watches. That short talk can prevent expensive injury and long-term treatment later.
With the right mouthguard, your child can focus on the game. You can focus on the joy of watching, not the fear of a sudden trip to the emergency room.
