If your child plays a sport where a fall, a ball, a stick or another player could hit the face, yes, they should wear a mouthguard. The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for a wide range of sports, not just football and hockey. A guard that fits well cushions the teeth, lips and jaw, and it is far cheaper and easier than repairing a broken or knocked-out tooth.
Which Sports Need a Mouthguard?
Many parents think mouthguards are only for tackle football. In fact, a lot of dental injuries in kids happen in sports where guards are not required, like basketball, baseball and soccer. Elbows, balls and hard falls are all common causes of chipped and knocked-out teeth.
The ADA recommends a mouthguard for sports such as:
- Football, lacrosse, ice hockey and field hockey
- Basketball, soccer, volleyball and water polo
- Baseball and softball (especially infielders and batters)
- Wrestling, boxing and martial arts
- Skateboarding, skating, BMX and mountain biking
- Gymnastics, cheer and other activities with falls or stunts
A simple rule: if your child wears a helmet or pads, or could take a hit to the face, add a mouthguard. It should be worn at practice too, not just on game day, since many injuries happen in practice.
Stock vs. Boil-and-Bite vs. Custom-Fitted
There are three main types of sports mouthguards. All of them are better than no guard at all. The difference is how well they fit, and fit decides whether a child will keep it in their mouth.
| Type | How it fits | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock (ready-made) | Pre-formed, one size; held in by biting down | Cheapest, sold everywhere | Bulky and loose; hard to talk or breathe; kids often take it out |
| Boil-and-bite | Softened in hot water, then shaped by biting into it | Inexpensive; better fit than stock | Fit depends on getting it right at home; can be thin in spots and wear quickly |
| Custom-fitted | Made by a dentist from a model or scan of your child's teeth | Best fit and comfort; easier to talk and breathe; even protection | Costs more; needs a dental visit; must be remade as a child grows |
Ask the coach or league what they require. Some leagues specify colors or a strap for helmets, which boil-and-bite and custom guards can usually match.
Get Your Young Athlete Protected Ask about a custom-fitted sports mouthguard at your child's next visit to our Sacramento office, or call (916) 929-3737.
Mouthguards and Braces
Kids in braces need a mouthguard even more, because a hit can push the lips into the brackets and cut the inside of the mouth, or break a bracket or wire. Choose a guard designed for braces, usually one that covers the upper teeth and has extra room for the brackets.
Do not use a boil-and-bite guard that is molded tightly around braces. As the teeth move during treatment, a tight guard can stop fitting or even pull on the wires. Ask your child's orthodontist which guard they recommend, since they know where the teeth are headed.
If your child wears clear aligners such as Invisalign, the aligners are not a mouthguard. Take them out for contact sports, wear a proper guard, and put the aligners back in afterward.
Caring for a Mouthguard (and When to Replace It)
- Rinse it before and after each use with cool water. Hot water can warp it.
- Clean it every day or two with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, then let it air dry.
- Store it in a vented case, not loose in a gym bag. Keep it out of hot cars and away from pets, who love to chew them.
- Don't share mouthguards with teammates or siblings.
- Check it often. Look for tears, holes, chewed edges or a loose fit.
- Replace it at least once a season, and any time it no longer fits. Kids' mouths grow and baby teeth fall out, so a guard that fit in the fall may not fit by spring.
Bring the mouthguard to your child's regular checkup. We can see whether it still fits and whether chewing on it has worn it thin. You can learn more about custom sports guards on our mouthguards page.
What to Do If a Tooth Is Knocked Out
A knocked-out permanent (adult) tooth is a true emergency. The tooth has the best chance of being saved if it is put back in place within about 60 minutes. Stay calm and follow these steps:
- Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white chewing part). Do not touch the root.
- If it is dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or water. Do not scrub it or wrap it in tissue.
- Try to put it back in the socket if your child is old enough to cooperate, and have them bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it.
- If you can't put it back, keep it in a cup of milk or in the child's own saliva. Do not let it dry out.
- Call a dentist right away and get there as fast as you can.
Do not try to put a baby tooth back in, since that can harm the adult tooth growing underneath. Still call a dentist so they can check for damage. If your child has a head injury, lost consciousness, or has trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the ER or call 911 first.
For more detail, see our knocked-out tooth page and our guide to a chipped or knocked-out tooth. Fulton Family Dental offers same-day emergency appointments on weekdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should a child start wearing a mouthguard?
As soon as they start playing a sport with contact, falls or flying balls. That can be as young as 5 or 6 for soccer, T-ball or martial arts. Young children with baby teeth still benefit, because a guard also protects the lips, gums and the adult teeth forming underneath.
Are custom mouthguards worth it for kids?
For kids who play contact sports often, many parents find a custom guard worth it because it fits well and stays in, so kids actually wear it. For a young child who is growing fast or trying a sport for one season, a well-fitted boil-and-bite guard is a reasonable choice. The most important thing is that your child wears one.
Should a mouthguard cover the top or bottom teeth?
Most sports mouthguards cover the upper teeth, which are the ones most often hit. Your dentist may suggest a guard for the lower teeth too if your child wears braces on the lower teeth or has an unusual bite.
How often should I replace my child's mouthguard?
Plan on at least once a season, and sooner if it is torn, chewed through, or no longer fits snugly. Children grow quickly and lose baby teeth, so a guard can stop fitting within months.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Every mouth is different. For advice about your own teeth, please schedule a visit or call (916) 929-3737.