If you’ve ever watched your kid sprint down a field, leap for a rebound, or tumble off a skateboard, you’ve probably had that split-second thought: “Please don’t hit your face.” Sports are amazing for confidence, coordination, and friendships—but they also come with real risks to teeth, lips, and jaws. The good news is that one of the simplest pieces of protective gear is also one of the most overlooked: a mouthguard.
This guide is here to help you make sense of when mouthguards are truly necessary, what kinds exist, how to choose one that your child will actually wear, and how mouthguard habits fit into broader dental health (including what happens if an accident chips a tooth). If you’re a parent trying to do the right thing without overcomplicating it, you’re in the right place.
Why parents end up thinking about mouthguards after a close call
Most families don’t start with a mouthguard plan. It’s usually a bumped lip during soccer, a teammate’s elbow in basketball, or a “my tooth feels weird” moment after a fall. Dental injuries can be sudden and surprisingly expensive, and they often happen during everyday play—not just high-contact sports.
A mouthguard is basically a shock absorber for the mouth. It cushions impacts to the teeth and can reduce the force that travels to the jaw. It can also help protect soft tissues (lips, cheeks, tongue) from getting cut by teeth during a collision. While it can’t prevent every possible injury, it can drastically reduce the severity of many common ones.
One more thing: kids’ teeth and jaws are still developing. That makes prevention even more important. A crack or displacement in a growing mouth can have long-term ripple effects, from bite changes to repeated dental work.
What a mouthguard actually protects (and what it doesn’t)
Mouthguards don’t just “save teeth.” They help distribute impact forces across a wider area, which can reduce the chance of a single tooth taking the full hit. They can also lower the risk of fractures, loosened teeth, and injuries to the gums.
They’re also helpful for soft tissue protection. If your child has braces, a mouthguard can reduce the chances of brackets cutting the inside of the lip or cheek during a fall or collision. And for kids who clench when they’re focused or stressed, a mouthguard can add a layer of cushioning.
That said, mouthguards aren’t magic. They won’t prevent concussions on their own, and they can’t stop every jaw injury. Think of them the same way you think of helmets: essential protection that reduces risk, not a guarantee that nothing bad will happen.
Which sports really need a mouthguard (and which ones surprise parents)
Most parents associate mouthguards with football and hockey, and yes—those are high on the list. But a lot of dental injuries come from sports that don’t feel “dangerous” at first glance. Any activity with speed, hard surfaces, sticks, balls, or body contact raises the odds of a mouth injury.
Sports where mouthguards are strongly recommended include: basketball, soccer, baseball/softball, lacrosse, hockey, football, martial arts, wrestling, rugby, and field hockey. But also consider skateboarding, BMX, mountain biking, gymnastics (falls happen), and even trampoline parks if your kid is doing flips or tricks.
If you’re unsure, ask yourself two quick questions: Could my child fall face-first? Could something (or someone) hit their mouth? If either answer is “yes,” a mouthguard is worth considering.
Age-by-age guidance: what matters for little kids vs. teens
Early elementary: comfort and habit matter more than perfection
For younger kids, the biggest challenge is getting them to keep the mouthguard in. At this age, you’re building a habit. A well-fitting, comfortable guard they’ll actually wear is better than a “perfect” option that stays in the equipment bag.
Because kids lose teeth and grow quickly, you may need to replace mouthguards more often. If a guard starts feeling tight, makes it hard to breathe, or no longer fits snugly, it’s time for a new one.
Also, younger kids may be more likely to chew on their mouthguard (especially during downtime). Chewing can weaken the material and make it less protective, so it’s worth reminding them that it’s safety gear—not a toy.
Middle school: growth spurts and braces change the equation
Middle school is a common time for braces, and it’s also when sports get faster and more competitive. If your child has braces, don’t skip the mouthguard—this is when it becomes even more important. There are mouthguards designed to fit over braces, and many orthodontists can recommend options that work with your child’s specific setup.
Growth spurts can make a mouthguard that fit in September feel annoying by December. Keep an eye on fit and comfort, and make sure your child can speak and breathe without struggling. If it’s constantly coming loose, they’ll be tempted to remove it during play.
This is also a great time to teach your child why mouthguards matter. Kids this age respond well to practical explanations: “This can save you from a chipped tooth and a lot of dental appointments.”
High school: performance, confidence, and social buy-in
Teen athletes often care about how gear feels and looks. If the mouthguard is bulky, makes it hard to talk, or feels embarrassing, it won’t get used consistently. This is where a better-fitting option can make a big difference in compliance.
High school sports can involve stronger collisions and higher speeds, and dental injuries become more costly as more permanent adult teeth are in place. A well-fitting mouthguard is a small investment compared to repairing a broken tooth.
Teens also tend to be more independent about hygiene. Encourage them to clean and store their mouthguard properly, and to replace it when it’s worn out—because a gross mouthguard is another reason it “accidentally” gets left behind.
Types of mouthguards: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom
There are three main types of mouthguards, and they’re not all equal. The right choice depends on your child’s sport, comfort needs, and whether they have braces.
Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear. They’re usually the cheapest, but they tend to fit poorly, feel bulky, and make breathing or talking harder. Many kids dislike them, which means they don’t wear them consistently.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards soften in hot water and then mold to the teeth. These are widely available, reasonably priced, and can fit fairly well if molded carefully. They’re often a good starting point for families who want better fit without going custom right away.
Custom mouthguards are made from a dental impression or scan. They typically fit best, feel less bulky, and stay in place more reliably—especially helpful for teens in competitive sports or kids who refuse to wear ill-fitting gear.
How to pick a mouthguard your kid will actually wear
Parents often focus on the “best” mouthguard in theory. In real life, the best mouthguard is the one that gets worn every practice and every game. Fit and comfort are the dealbreakers.
Look for a mouthguard that sits snugly without needing to be clenched in place. Your child should be able to breathe easily and speak clearly enough to communicate on the field or court. If they’re constantly adjusting it with their tongue, it’s not fitting well.
Thickness matters too. More thickness can mean more protection, but too much bulk can feel distracting. Many sport-specific mouthguards balance these needs. If your child plays multiple sports, you may need different guards depending on contact level.
Getting the fit right: a simple at-home checklist
If you’re using a boil-and-bite mouthguard, molding technique makes a huge difference. Follow the package instructions closely—especially the timing in hot water. Too little time and it won’t mold; too much time and it can become overly soft or distorted.
Once molded, check that it covers the teeth evenly, doesn’t pinch the gums, and doesn’t gag your child. A mouthguard should feel secure. If it pops out when they open their mouth, it’s not doing its job well.
Finally, do a “practice test” at home. Have your child wear it while jogging in place, reading out loud, and taking deep breaths. If they hate it in the living room, they’ll hate it more during a game.
Cleaning, storage, and replacement: the part no one talks about
Mouthguards spend a lot of time in warm, sweaty environments—exactly where bacteria like to hang out. After each use, rinse it with cool water and gently brush it (a separate toothbrush is ideal). Let it air dry before storing it.
Use a ventilated case. A sealed plastic bag can trap moisture and create that unpleasant smell that makes kids avoid using it. Also, keep it away from heat—hot car dashboards can warp the shape.
Replace mouthguards when they show signs of wear (tears, thinning, rough edges), when they no longer fit, or when they start to smell even after cleaning. For growing kids, replacement can be seasonal. For teens, it may last longer if cared for well.
What to do if a dental injury happens anyway
Chipped or broken tooth: don’t wait for it to “settle down”
If your child chips a tooth, it may not always hurt right away. But even small chips can expose sensitive layers or create weak points that break further later. Rinse the mouth gently, save any tooth fragments if you can, and contact a dentist promptly.
For a larger break, bleeding, or visible nerve exposure (often looks like a red dot in the center), treat it as urgent. Pain can escalate quickly, and early treatment can improve the long-term outcome.
Even if the tooth looks “okay,” a hit can damage the root or the nerve. A dental exam and, sometimes, an X-ray are important to check for hidden issues.
Tooth knocked loose or out: timing is everything
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, time matters. If you can safely locate the tooth, handle it by the crown (not the root), rinse briefly if dirty (don’t scrub), and try to place it back in the socket if your child can tolerate it. If that’s not possible, store it in milk or a tooth-preservation product and get to a dentist immediately.
If the tooth is only loose or pushed out of position, avoid wiggling it. Soft foods, gentle rinsing, and urgent dental care are the safest steps. The tooth may be stabilized (splinted) to help it heal.
For baby teeth, the approach is different—re-implantation is usually not recommended because it can damage the developing adult tooth. Still, you should get it checked to make sure there’s no deeper injury.
Jaw pain, bite changes, or persistent swelling: trust your instincts
Sometimes the teeth look fine, but your child says their bite feels “off,” or they have jaw pain when chewing. That can signal a jaw injury, tooth displacement, or joint strain. It’s worth getting evaluated sooner rather than later.
Swelling that increases over hours, trouble opening the mouth, or numbness can point to more serious trauma. When in doubt, urgent care or an emergency dentist can help triage the situation.
After any significant facial impact, keep an eye on headaches, dizziness, or nausea as well. Mouthguards help reduce dental injuries, but they don’t replace concussion awareness.
How mouthguards fit into long-term dental health (yes, even cosmetic concerns)
For many parents, the first worry is pain and emergency visits. The second worry—especially as kids get older—is appearance. A front-tooth chip can affect confidence fast, particularly for teens who already feel self-conscious.
Depending on the injury, repairs might involve bonding, crowns, or other restorations. In some adult cases, people explore options like dental veneers to improve the look of chipped, worn, or uneven teeth. That’s not typically the first-line fix for a child or teen, but it’s helpful to understand that cosmetic dentistry exists because tooth injuries and wear are common—and prevention is always easier than repair.
The takeaway isn’t “worry about perfect teeth.” It’s that protecting teeth early can reduce the chance of long-term dental work later, whether that’s functional repair or cosmetic improvements down the road.
Braces, retainers, and special situations that change your mouthguard choice
If your child has braces, you’ll want a mouthguard designed to fit over brackets and wires. Some boil-and-bite models are labeled for braces, but you should confirm they don’t mold too tightly around the hardware, which can make removal difficult or damage the appliance.
For kids with retainers, it depends on the type. Some athletes remove removable retainers during play and wear a mouthguard instead. Others might need a custom solution. If your child wears a clear aligner, talk with their orthodontist about the safest plan—sometimes aligners aren’t meant to take impact like a sports mouthguard would.
Kids with a history of dental trauma, enamel issues, or frequent falls may benefit from a more protective option even in lower-contact sports. If you’ve had one scary incident already, it’s reasonable to upgrade your approach.
When a custom mouthguard is worth it (and when it’s not)
Custom mouthguards tend to cost more, but they can be a game-changer for comfort and consistency. If your child plays a high-contact sport, competes frequently, or refuses to wear store-bought guards, custom can pay off simply because it gets used.
They’re also helpful for kids with braces or unique bite shapes where standard mouthguards never feel right. A better fit can mean easier breathing, clearer communication, and fewer distractions—things that matter during performance.
On the other hand, if your child is trying a sport for the first time or only plays a short season, a well-molded boil-and-bite guard can be a perfectly solid choice. You can always upgrade later if the sport becomes a long-term commitment.
Dental visits that support sports safety (beyond the mouthguard itself)
It’s easy to think of sports dentistry as “emergency-only,” but routine checkups play a big role in prevention. Regular exams can catch small cracks, weak fillings, gum inflammation, or bite issues that might make an injury more likely or more severe.
Professional cleanings also matter because healthy gums and stable teeth handle stress better. If you’re looking to stay on top of basics, scheduling a consistent teeth cleaning service can help your child’s mouth stay healthier throughout the season—especially if they’re snacking more often, drinking sports drinks, or wearing orthodontic appliances.
And if you’re a parent juggling a busy schedule, it can help to have a dental home where you can ask practical questions about mouthguards, braces-safe options, and what to do after a hit. For families in New York City, for example, an Upper West Side NY cosmetic dentist (or any trusted local dentist) can be a helpful resource not just for aesthetics, but for guidance on protecting teeth and planning repairs if an accident happens.
Common parent questions (the ones you ask in the car after practice)
“My kid says they can’t breathe with a mouthguard—what now?”
If breathing feels hard, the mouthguard is likely too bulky or poorly fitted. Stock mouthguards are the most common culprit. A properly fitted boil-and-bite or custom guard should allow normal breathing through both mouth and nose.
Try remolding if it’s boil-and-bite, making sure it’s seated correctly and trimmed if the instructions allow. If it still feels restrictive, switch models. Comfort isn’t a luxury—if they can’t breathe well, they won’t wear it.
If your child has chronic nasal congestion or allergies, that can amplify the issue. In that case, a slimmer, better-fitting mouthguard can make a noticeable difference.
“Can they talk with it in?”
They should be able to speak clearly enough to communicate basic things—calling plays, asking for a sub, responding to a coach. If the mouthguard is so thick that speech becomes a struggle, it may be the wrong type or size.
Custom mouthguards typically make talking easier because they’re shaped precisely to the teeth and don’t shift around. Some sport-specific guards are also designed with speech in mind.
A little adjustment period is normal. Encourage your child to wear it during warm-ups and drills so it feels less foreign during game-time.
“Do they need it for practice or just games?”
Practice is where a lot of injuries happen—especially when kids are learning skills, scrimmaging, or getting tired and sloppy at the end. If the sport has meaningful contact or risk of falls, the mouthguard should be worn at practice too.
Consistency is also how you build the habit. If the mouthguard only comes out for games, it’s easier to forget, lose, or “not feel like it” when the moment arrives.
Think of it like a seatbelt: you don’t only buckle up on highways.
Building a simple “sports dental safety” routine at home
You don’t need a complex system. A few small routines can make mouthguard use almost automatic. Start by making the mouthguard part of the gear checklist: shoes, water bottle, mouthguard case. If your child packs their own bag, add a reminder note for the first few weeks of the season.
Set a cleaning routine: rinse and brush right after practice, air dry, then into the case. If your child comes home exhausted, do it together for a week until it sticks. A mouthguard that stays clean is a mouthguard they won’t avoid.
Finally, do quick fit checks every month or two—especially during growth spurts. If it’s uncomfortable, replace it early. It’s much easier to buy a new mouthguard than to convince a kid to wear one they hate.
Quick signs your child’s mouthguard needs replacing
Even if it “looks fine” at first glance, mouthguards wear out. Look for thinning spots (often where they bite down), small tears, rough edges, or changes in shape. If it feels loose or your child has to bite to keep it in place, it’s not fitting correctly anymore.
Odor is another clue. If it smells bad even after cleaning, bacteria may be embedded in the material. That’s a good reason to replace it—especially if your child is getting mouth sores or irritation.
And as a general rule: if your child has braces added or removed, gets new dental work, or goes through a noticeable growth phase, reassess the fit. Mouth shape changes faster than most parents expect.
A parent’s bottom line: safety that doesn’t have to be complicated
So, do you need a mouthguard for sports? If your child’s activity includes contact, falls, fast-moving objects, or hard surfaces, a mouthguard is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of dental injuries. It’s not about being overly cautious—it’s about making a smart, low-effort choice that can prevent a high-stress emergency later.
The best approach is the one your child will follow: pick a mouthguard that fits well, keep it clean, replace it when needed, and treat it like standard gear—not an optional accessory. Over time, it becomes just another part of getting ready to play.
And if an accident does happen, you’ll be glad you already have a plan: protect first, assess quickly, and get dental care sooner rather than later. That’s the kind of preparation that lets kids play hard—and lets parents breathe a little easier from the sidelines.
