Choosing a mouthguards for kids that actually fits well makes a real difference to whether your child keeps it in during the game, rather than shoving it in a pocket at half time. Dental injuries from sport are common and often avoidable, which is why so many local clubs now expect players to wear one.
Quick Guide to Kids’ Mouthguards
- Any sport with a risk of contact, from footy to netball, is worth considering a mouthguard for.
- Custom-fitted mouthguards, made by your dentist, generally offer a closer and more comfortable fit than shop-bought ones.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards from sports stores can be an option, but fit and protection vary.
- A mouthguard that’s uncomfortable is one your child is less likely to actually wear.
- Growing jaws and changing teeth mean mouthguards may need checking or replacing more often for kids than adults.
Why Bother With a Mouthguard at All?
It’s a fair question, especially for sports that don’t look particularly rough from the sidelines.
The Risk Isn’t Always Where You’d Expect
Contact sports like football, rugby and hockey carry an obvious risk to teeth and jaws, but plenty of dental injuries also happen in basketball, netball and even skateboarding, often from a stray elbow, a dropped ball or an unlucky fall onto concrete. Healthdirect notes that if your child plays a sport where there’s a chance of injury to their teeth, such as rugby or boxing, a mouthguard is worth wearing, and the same general principle applies to many other contact and semi-contact sports played around Melbourne on any given weekend.
What a Mouthguard Actually Protects Against
A properly fitted mouthguard helps absorb and spread the force of a knock to the face, which may otherwise result in a chipped, cracked or knocked-out tooth, or an injury to the lips, tongue and cheeks. These injuries can mean time off school, and treatment that’s often more involved, drawn out and disruptive to family life than parents expect going into the season.
What Types of Mouthguards Are Available for Kids?
Not all mouthguards offer the same level of comfort or fit, and it’s worth understanding the difference before you buy.
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
These are made by your dentist from an impression or digital scan of your child’s teeth. Because they’re shaped to your child’s mouth specifically, they tend to sit more comfortably and stay in place better during play, without restricting breathing or talking as much as other options. If your child is due for a check-up before sport season starts, it’s a convenient time to have a mouthguard made at the same visit.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Sold at sports stores and pharmacies, these are softened in hot water and then bitten into to form a rough shape. They’re more accessible and lower cost, which can suit occasional or social sport, but the fit is generally less precise than a custom option, and a poor fit can mean your child is tempted to take it out mid-game or finds it hard to talk to teammates.
Stock Mouthguards
These come pre-formed and aren’t adjusted to the individual at all. They’re the most basic option and tend to offer the least comfortable fit of the three, though they may still be better than no mouthguard at all for a one-off game or trial session.
What Happens at a Mouthguard Fitting Appointment?
For families who haven’t been through the process before, a custom mouthguard fitting is usually straightforward. Your dentist will first check your child’s teeth to make sure there’s nothing that needs attention before the mouthguard is made, since a mouthguard fitted over a problem tooth isn’t ideal. From there, an impression or digital scan is taken of both the upper and lower teeth, and the mouthguard is fabricated to match that exact shape.
Many practices, including our team at SmileWorks, can talk you through colour and design options too, which can make kids a lot more enthusiastic about actually wearing it. If your child hasn’t had a paediatric dental visit recently, a mouthguard appointment is a convenient time to combine the two.
How Do You Know If a Mouthguard Fits Properly?
A well-fitting mouthguard should stay in place on its own without your child needing to clench their teeth to hold it, and it shouldn’t cause gagging, excess drooling or muffled speech that makes it hard for your child to communicate with teammates. If your child is constantly fiddling with it, chewing through it quickly, or leaving it in their bag on game day because it’s uncomfortable, that’s usually a sign it isn’t the right fit for them.
Because children’s mouths change as they grow, and especially while baby teeth are being replaced by adult ones, a mouthguard that fit well last season might not fit as well this year. It’s worth checking the fit at the start of each sport season rather than assuming last year’s mouthguard is still doing its job. This is also a good opportunity to bring up any concerns at a dental emergency check-up if your child has already had a knock during training.
Looking After Your Child’s Mouthguard
- Rinse it with cool water after every use, and give it an occasional clean with a soft toothbrush.
- Store it in a ventilated, hard case rather than a sealed bag, to help it dry out properly between uses.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight or hot cars, as heat can warp the shape.
- Check it regularly for tears, thinning or a fit that’s becoming loose.
- Bring it along to dental check-ups so your dentist can assess whether it still fits well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Age Should My Child Start Wearing A Mouthguard For Sport?
Generally, any child old enough to play a contact or semi-contact sport is old enough to wear a properly fitted mouthguard, though suitability depends on your child’s individual dental development and the sport involved. Your dentist can advise on timing at a routine check-up rather than relying on a fixed age.
Are Custom Mouthguards Worth It Compared To Shop-bought Ones?
A custom-fitted mouthguard can be a suitable option for many families, particularly for regular or higher-contact sport, though a well-fitted boil-and-bite option may be reasonable for occasional play. Cost, comfort and how often your child plays are worth weighing up together rather than price alone.
Can My Child Wear A Mouthguard With Braces?
Yes, mouthguards can generally be worn with braces, though a standard boil-and-bite guard may not fit well over brackets and can sometimes need replacing more often as treatment progresses. Families in North Melbourne and nearby suburbs with a child in orthodontic treatment are welcome to ask our team what’s likely to work well for their specific braces.
How Long Does A Custom Mouthguard Usually Last?
This varies depending on how much your child is growing and how the mouthguard is cared for, but many families find they need to be reassessed every season or two as a child’s mouth changes. Wear and tear from regular contact sport can also shorten its lifespan, so a periodic check is worthwhile.
What Should I Do If My Child Is Hit In The Mouth During Sport?
If there’s any bleeding, a knocked-out tooth or visible damage, it’s worth being seen promptly rather than waiting until the next scheduled check-up. This information is general in nature, and if your child has a dental injury, contacting your dentist or, for a serious injury, presenting to an emergency department, is the safest next step.
Get Your Child Fitted for a Mouthguard
Sport season comes around fast, and a mouthguard that’s comfortable enough for your child to actually wear is worth sorting out early rather than the night before the first game. Our team can check your child’s teeth and talk through whether a custom-fitted mouthguard suits their sport and stage of growth. Request an appointment online or call us on (03) 9605 3588 to get your child sorted before their next game.
