Sports Mouthguards for Kids & Teens: What Parents Should Know (and Which Type Is Best)

If your child plays sports, a mouthguard is one of the simplest ways to protect their smile. Dental injuries can happen in contact sports, but also in “non-contact” sports where falls and collisions are common.

This guide breaks down which mouthguard types work best, when your child should wear one, and how to keep it clean and effective.

Why mouthguards matter (even for “non-contact” sports)

Mouthguards help reduce the risk of:

• Chipped or broken teeth
• Cut lips and cheeks
• Jaw strain from clenching or impact
• Damage to braces or retainers

Sports like basketball, soccer, baseball/softball, skateboarding, hockey, football—and even gymnastics—can benefit from a mouthguard.

The 3 types of mouthguards (and the real pros/cons)

1) Stock mouthguards (least recommended)

These are the “ready-to-wear” guards from sporting goods stores.

Pros: cheap, easy
Cons: bulky, poor fit, harder to breathe/talk, often not worn consistently

2) Boil-and-bite mouthguards (better, but not perfect)

You warm them in hot water and bite down to shape them.

Pros: affordable, better fit than stock
Cons: can still feel bulky; fit may loosen over time; not ideal for some braces situations

3) Custom mouthguards (best protection + best comfort)

Made from an impression of your child’s teeth.

Pros: best fit and comfort, easier breathing/speaking, most likely to be worn consistently
Cons: higher upfront cost (but often worth it)

Bottom line: the “best” mouthguard is the one your child will actually wear—custom guards tend to win because they’re comfortable and secure.

Mouthguards for braces, retainers, and Invisalign

If your child has braces or is wearing a retainer, the mouthguard choice matters.

• Braces: you’ll usually want a guard designed to accommodate brackets and tooth movement
• Retainers: a guard may need to fit over it, depending on when they wear the retainer
• Invisalign/clear aligners: ask your dentist whether the mouthguard should be worn with aligners in or out for that sport

(Quick rule: don’t guess—fit matters for safety and comfort.)

When should kids wear a mouthguard?

• During games and practices
• During drills where collisions/falls happen
• Any time they’re on the court/field/rink

How to clean and store a mouthguard (so it doesn’t get gross)

• Rinse with cool water after use
• Brush gently with a toothbrush and mild soap (or mouthguard cleaner)
• Let it air dry before storing
• Store in a ventilated case (not a sealed bag)
• Avoid heat (hot car dashboards can warp them)

Replace it when…

• It has cracks, tears, or rough edges
• It no longer fits snugly
• Your child has a growth spurt and it feels tight/loose
• It starts to smell even after cleaning
  
  Need help choosing the right mouthguard?

  We’re happy to help parents pick a comfortable option for kids and teens (including athletes with braces or retainers).
  Request an appointment to discuss mouthguard fit and protection.

   

FAQs

Do mouthguards prevent concussions?
They’re designed primarily to protect teeth and soft tissues. Some claims exist, but the most consistent benefit is dental injury prevention.

Can my child talk and breathe with a mouthguard?
A properly fitted guard should allow normal breathing and reasonable speech—custom guards are best for this.

What if my child refuses to wear it?
Comfort is usually the reason. A better-fitting option often solves this.

Can we use the same mouthguard every season?
Sometimes, but growing kids often need replacements sooner.