Custom Sports Mouthguards for Kids | Capital Region NY
At Where Smiles Grow Pediatric Dentistry, we believe protecting your child’s smile is just as important as protecting their head, knees, and elbows. One of the easiest ways to prevent serious dental injuries is by wearing a properly fitted sports mouthguard — and for many young athletes, a custom sports mouthguard offers the best protection available.
Why Are Sports Mouthguards So Important?
Every year, thousands of children experience sports-related dental injuries that could have been prevented with a mouthguard. A direct hit to the mouth can result in:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Knocked-out permanent teeth
- Cuts to the lips, cheeks, and tongue
- Jaw injuries
- Damage to braces or orthodontic appliances
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend mouthguards for children participating in contact and collision sports because they significantly reduce the risk of dental injuries. If your child ever does experience a sports-related dental injury, our emergency pediatric dentistry team is here to help right away.
It’s Not Just Football: Sports That Call for a Mouthguard
Many parents assume mouthguards are only necessary for football or hockey, but dental injuries happen in many youth sports that don’t always require them.
Children should strongly consider wearing a sports mouthguard while participating in:
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Baseball & Softball
- Lacrosse
- Football
- Ice Hockey
- Wrestling
- Martial Arts
- Field Hockey
Even recreational activities like biking and scootering can lead to facial injuries where a mouthguard offers valuable protection
What Type of Mouthguard Is Best for Young Athletes?
There are three common types of sports mouthguards for kids:
Stock Mouthguards
These are inexpensive and available at most sporting goods stores. However, they come pre-formed and often fit poorly, making them uncomfortable and less protective.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
These are softened in hot water and molded at home. They offer a better fit than stock guards and are a popular option for many young athletes.
Custom-Fit Mouthguards
Custom sports mouthguards are made by your pediatric dentist using a digital scan or impression of your child’s teeth, giving them the most precise, comfortable, and protective fit of any mouthguard type.
Benefits of a custom mouthguard include:
- Superior protection
- Comfortable fit
- Easier breathing and speaking
- Better retention during play
- Greater likelihood that children will actually wear them
When a mouthguard fits comfortably, kids are much more likely to keep it in during practices and games. You can learn more about how we design and fit custom sports mouthguards for young athletes at every one of our Capital Region offices.
What About Kids with Braces?
If your child has braces, wearing a mouthguard for braces becomes even more important.
Brackets and wires can cause painful cuts inside the mouth during a collision or fall. A braces-compatible mouthguard cushions both the teeth and orthodontic appliances, helping protect your child’s smile and your investment in orthodontic treatment.
Caring for Your Child’s Mouthguard
A mouthguard works best when it’s clean and in good condition. Here are a few simple tips:
- Rinse it with cool water after every use.
- Wash it regularly with mild soap.
- Store it in a ventilated case.
- Keep it away from excessive heat, such as a hot car.
- Bring it to dental appointments so we can check the fit.
- Replace it if it becomes worn, torn, or your child outgrows it.
Growing smiles change quickly, so younger athletes may need a new mouthguard more often than adults.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Mouthguards
How often should my child replace their sports mouthguard?
Most kids need a new custom mouthguard every sports season, since growing teeth and jaws quickly outgrow a mold that once fit perfectly.
Are custom mouthguards worth the investment over store-bought options?
Yes. Custom sports mouthguards fit more precisely than stock or boil-and-bite guards, which means better protection, easier breathing, and a much higher chance your child will actually wear it during play.
Can my child wear a sports mouthguard with braces?
Yes. A braces-compatible custom mouthguard is specifically designed to protect both the teeth and orthodontic brackets and wires during sports.
What sports require a mouthguard?
Any contact or collision sport — including football, hockey, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, martial arts, baseball, softball, and field hockey — carries a risk of dental injury that a mouthguard helps prevent.
Protecting Smiles Across the Capital Region
At Where Smiles Grow Pediatric Dentistry, we’re proud to care for young athletes throughout the Capital Region, with convenient locations in Latham, Delmar, and Schodack. Whether your child is stepping onto the soccer field for the first time or preparing for another season of hockey, football, lacrosse, basketball, or wrestling, we’re here to help keep their smile safe.
A custom sports mouthguard is a small investment that can prevent costly dental injuries and help your child stay focused on having fun and playing their best.
Protect Your Child’s Smile with a Custom Sports Mouthguard
If your child is getting ready for a new sports season, now is the perfect time to ask about a custom sports mouthguard.
Our team at Where Smiles Grow Pediatric Dentistry can create a comfortable, durable mouthguard designed specifically for your child’s smile, providing protection they can count on throughout every practice and game. Have questions first? Check out our new patient FAQ page or request an appointment online today for the fall season.
Every great season deserves a healthy smile.