By Dr. Manish Pandey, BDS, Dental Surgeon
How to choose and use a sports mouthguard for children is an important question for families whose children play contact or collision sports. A well-fitting mouthguard cushions impacts and may reduce dental injury, but it cannot make any sport risk-free.
AI-generated illustration for educational purposes only.
Which children should wear a mouthguard?
A mouthguard is strongly worth considering for sports with contact, falls, flying equipment or accidental collisions. Examples include hockey, boxing, martial arts, rugby, football, basketball, skating, cycling and gymnastics. Requirements vary by organisation, but protection can still be useful when it is not mandatory.
What type of mouthguard is best?
Stock mouthguards are inexpensive but may be bulky and difficult to retain. Boil-and-bite guards can fit better when formed carefully. A custom mouthguard made by a dental professional generally offers the most controlled fit, retention and thickness, especially for children with previous trauma or high exposure.
How should a children’s mouthguard fit?
It should cover the upper teeth, stay in place without constant biting, allow comfortable breathing and speech, and have smooth edges. It should not trigger gagging or rub the gums. A loose, torn or distorted guard needs reassessment.
Can a child with braces wear a mouthguard?
Yes, but the guard needs space for tooth movement and brackets. An orthodontic mouthguard is designed for this purpose. Do not reshape a guard around braces without advice, because an overly tight appliance can interfere with treatment or become difficult to remove.
How do you clean and store it?
- Rinse before and after every use.
- Brush gently with a soft brush and cool water.
- Let it dry and store it in a ventilated rigid case.
- Keep it away from hot water, heaters, pets and direct sun.
- Do not share it with another child.
Check it regularly for cracks, thinning, sharp edges, odour or poor fit. Children may need replacement as teeth erupt and the jaw grows.
When should the dentist review the mouthguard?
Review is helpful at routine dental visits and after orthodontic adjustments, new adult teeth, a growth spurt or any dental injury. Bring the guard and case to the appointment.
What should you do after a dental injury?
Stop play and check for bleeding, displacement or a broken tooth. A knocked-out permanent tooth is a dental emergency: hold it by the crown, avoid touching the root, and seek immediate professional care. Do not replant a baby tooth. Facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness or suspected jaw injury needs urgent medical assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Does a mouthguard prevent concussion?
A mouthguard protects teeth and oral tissues, but it should not be promoted as proven concussion prevention. Use sport-specific helmets and follow the organisation’s concussion protocol.
Can a child chew the mouthguard?
Chewing damages fit and thickness. If the child cannot keep it in place comfortably, ask a dentist to check the design.
How often should it be replaced?
Replace it when fit changes or damage appears; growing children and orthodontic patients may need replacement more often than adults.
References
- American Dental Association: Athletic Mouth Protectors
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: Prevention of Sports-Related Orofacial Injuries
- CDC HEADS UP
Dental disclaimer: This article is general education. A mouthguard does not eliminate injury risk. Seek urgent dental or medical care after significant trauma.