Does Your Child Need a Mouthguard for Summer Sports?

Summer sports season is here, which means hunting down shin pads, helmets, knee guards, and everything else your child needs before the first practice. Somewhere on that long list, there is one important item parents sometimes forget: protecting your child’s teeth. 

Knowing whether your child actually needs a mouthguard is tricky, since playing catch in the backyard is not the same as competitive baseball. For sports with a higher risk of contact, players without a mouthguard are more than twice as likely to get hurt in the mouth or face. For one of the most affordable pieces of protective gear you’ll add to their bag, a mouthguard can spare your child a broken tooth or an unexpected dental visit after a game.

So before you add one more thing to your list, here is what our family dentists tell parents when they ask whether their child needs a sports mouthguard, why it matters and how to choose the right one.

What is a sports mouthguard?

A sports mouthguard is a soft, protective plastic cover that your child wears over their upper and lower teeth during sports or physical activities. While it may seem like a mouthguard has the superpower to prevent concussions or stop every possible injury, that’s not what it is designed to do. Its main purpose is to protect the mouth and soften the impact if your child gets hit, helping lower the risk of injuries to the teeth, gums, lips, cheeks, tongue, and other soft tissues.

Which summer sports are most likely to need a mouthguard?

If your child plays contact sports where hits, falls, flying balls, pucks, sticks or elbows are part of the game, this is a sign that a mouthguard deserves a place in their bag. Based on guidance from the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), we encourage parents to consider mouthguards for the following activities:

• Ice hockey and field hockey
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Baseball and softball
• Basketball
• Football and rugby
• Wrestling
• Martial arts
• Skateboarding, scootering, biking, and other fall-risk activities

Which type of sports mouthguard is right for your child?

The best mouthguard for your child depends on the sport they practice, their age,  where they are in their dental development, how intensely they play, and whether they wear braces. Here are the three most common types of mouthguards:

STOCK OR READY-MADE MOUTHGUARDS

Also known as a store-bought mouthguard, this option comes pre-formed and ready to wear right out of the package, with no boiling or moulding needed. 

While it’s often the cheapest option, it’s also the bulkiest and least secure. Many kids find it harder to breathe or talk while wearing one, and some have to keep clenching just to hold the mouthguard in place, which can be quite distracting. And when a mouthguard feels uncomfortable, we all know what tends to happen: it spends more time in their hands than protecting their mouth.

BOIL-AND-BITE MOUTHGUARDS

These mouthguards are made from a material that softens in hot water. Once softened, your child bites down on the guard so it moulds around their teeth.

They’re usually an affordable option and easy to pick up on short notice at pharmacies and sporting goods stores, which can be helpful when you realize the night before a game or a tournament that your child needs one. 

Some kids feel less bulky than stock mouthguards. But the fit, comfort and protection depend on how well the mouthguard is moulded, so it’s worth following the instructions closely and checking that it sits securely before your child wears it during play.

CUSTOM SPORTS MOUTHGUARDS

A custom sports mouthguard is made by a dentist using a scan or impression of your child’s teeth. Because it’s designed specifically for their mouth, it offers the most precise fit, staying in place without effort, and doesn’t disturb breathing and talking during play.

These guards are the best option for kids who play often or play contact sports, and those who have difficulty adapting to bulky, uncomfortable guards.

At Kensington Square Dental, mouthguards are part of the general and preventative care we provide to Burnaby families, and fitting one usually happens during a regular checkup. Ask our team at your next appointment, and we’ll help you work out what your child needs.

How should a child’s sports mouthguard fit?

A good mouthguard should feel comfortable, secure—and most importantly, be one your child will actually keep in during practices and games. Our team recommends that a child’s mouthguard should:

• Stay in place without your child having to clench their teeth to hold it there.
• Feel snug, but never painful.
• Let your child breathe normally.
• Let them speak clearly enough to communicate with teammates and coaches. A little muffling is normal, but if teammates and coaches can’t understand them at all, the guard doesn’t fit properly.
• Cover the teeth comfortably.
• Avoid pinching or triggering the gag reflex.

How to care for your child’s mouthguard?

Simple habits can keep your child’s mouthguard clean and make it last longer. It only takes a few minutes after each use. Here are some best practices to follow:

• Rinse it after every practice or game, then clean it gently with a toothbrush and cool water.
• Let it dry fully before putting it away.
• Store it in a ventilated case rather than tossing it loose into a sports bag full of cleats and mystery crumbs.
• Avoid using hot water once the mouthguard has been fitted, since heat can change its shape.
• Keep it away from the family dog—yes, it can become their favourite chew toy.
• Check the mouthguard regularly for any cracks or changes in the fit before your child wears it.
• Avoid trimming or reshaping the custom mouthguard at home. This can create sharp edges that affect the fit and compromise its protection.

How often should you replace it?

Kids’ mouths change faster than you can keep up with. Baby teeth fall out, adult teeth arrive, and orthodontic treatment can shift the fit of a mouthguard over time. So a guard that fit well last season may not feel right this season.

Our recommendation is to replace your child’s mouthguard as soon as you notice the fit is loose, chewed, cracked, worn thin or your child says it feels uncomfortable.

If you’re already bringing your child for a dental checkup at Kensington Square Dental, bring the mouthguard with you. Our team will let you know whether it still fits properly or needs to be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

01. IS A SPORTS MOUTHGUARD THE SAME AS A NIGHTGUARD?

No, it’s not. A nightguard is specifically made to address teeth grinding during sleep, while a sports mouthguard is made to protect the mouth in case of an impact. They’re designed for different purposes, so one should not be used in place of the other.

02. WHERE CAN I FIND CUSTOM MOUTHGUARDS FOR KIDS IN BURNABY?

Our dentists make custom sports mouthguards for kids at Kensington Square Dental in Burnaby. It usually starts with a quick scan or impression during a regular visit, and we can help you decide whether a custom guard makes sense for your child’s sport and stage of dental development.

03. CAN MY CHILD WEAR A SPORTS MOUTHGUARD WITH BRACES?

Yes, but it’s worth knowing that brackets and wires change how a guard needs to fit, and teeth move during treatment. If your child has braces, a retainer, an expander, or any orthodontic appliance, we recommend you check with your family dentist in Burnaby before buying a mouthguard.

04. IS A CUSTOM MOUTHGUARD BETTER THAN A STORE-BOUGHT ONE?

A custom guard for kids usually fits more precisely and comfortably, which means your child is far more likely to keep it in. Store-bought or boil-and-bite guards can work well for some children when they’re moulded properly, so the best choice depends on your child’s sport, comfort needs, and how often and intensely they play.

05. DO KIDS NEED A MOUTHGUARD FOR SOCCER CAMP?

Yes, it’s a good idea for many young players. Soccer brings headers, collisions, elbows, and plenty of falls, and a week of camp packs a lot of that into a short period of time. It’s not usually thought of as a mouthguard sport, but the risk is real, so the guard is a sensible choice.

Still have questions, or ready to get your child fitted for a custom mouthguard? Book your child’s checkup at Kensington Square Dental in Burnaby, or call us at (604) 298-5595. We can fit their mouthguard on the same visit.