Back-to-School Sports Are Here: Does Your Child Need a Custom Mouthguard?
As children head back to school, many are also returning to the field, court, gym, or rink for fall sports. While helmets, pads, and other protective gear are often top of mind, one essential piece of equipment is frequently overlooked: a properly fitted pediatric mouthguard.
At Wilderness Station Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Marty Killeen and the team encourage families to think about dental protection before the season begins. A custom sports mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of injuries that could sideline your child and require extensive dental treatment.
Which sports put children at risk for dental injuries?
Many parents associate mouthguards with football or hockey, but dental injuries can happen in almost any activity where falls, collisions, or contact are possible.
Children participating in these sports should consider wearing sports mouthguards:
- Football
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Baseball and softball
- Wrestling
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Martial arts
- Gymnastics
- Skateboarding
- Volleyball
- Cheerleading
Even recreational leagues and physical education classes can present opportunities for accidental impacts to the mouth.
Why choose a custom sports mouthguard?
Store-bought mouthguards offer some protection, but they often feel bulky, slip out of place, or make it difficult for children to breathe and speak comfortably. When a mouthguard doesn’t fit well, children are less likely to wear it consistently.
A custom sports mouthguard is designed specifically for your child’s teeth and bite. This personalized fit provides several important advantages:
- Better protection against impact
- Greater comfort during practices and games
- Improved ability to breathe and communicate
- A secure fit that stays in place
- Greater durability throughout the season
Because every child’s smile is unique, a custom appliance offers protection that’s difficult to achieve with over-the-counter options.
What types of injuries can a mouthguard help prevent?
A properly fitted mouthguard for kids acts as a cushion between the upper and lower teeth while helping absorb the force of an impact.
Wearing a custom mouthguard may help reduce the risk of:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Knocked-out permanent teeth
- Cuts to the lips, cheeks, and tongue
- Jaw injuries
- Damage to dental restorations or orthodontic appliances
Preventing even one serious injury can save your family significant time, expense, and stress.
When should your child get a new mouthguard?
Children’s smiles are constantly changing. As permanent teeth erupt and jaws continue to develop, a mouthguard that fit last season may no longer provide the same level of protection.
It’s a good idea to have your child’s mouthguard evaluated:
- Before each new sports season
- After losing baby teeth or erupting permanent teeth
- If the mouthguard becomes worn, torn, or loose
- Following orthodontic treatment or significant dental changes
Regular dental checkups and other pediatric appointments provide an excellent opportunity to ensure your child’s protective gear still fits properly.
Sports aren’t the only reason your child may need a mouthguard
While sports are one of the most common reasons children need a mouthguard, they’re not the only ones. If your child grinds or clenches their teeth while sleeping—a condition known as bruxism—a custom nightguard may also be recommended to help protect their developing smile from excessive wear and damage. Unlike sports mouthguards, custom nightguards are specifically designed for overnight use and can help reduce the effects of nighttime teeth grinding. If you’ve noticed your child grinding their teeth during sleep, Dr. Marty can evaluate the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment to help preserve their long-term oral health.
Protect your child’s smile all season long
Whether your child is gearing up for a new sports season or could benefit from protection against nighttime teeth grinding, the right mouthguard can make a lasting difference. Dr. Marty and the team at Wilderness Station Pediatric Dentistry are committed to helping young patients keep their smiles healthy, comfortable, and protected through every stage of childhood.
Ready to help your child play with confidence? Request an appointment to learn whether a custom sports mouthguard or nightguard is the best option for your child’s needs and get them ready for the season ahead.
