Young athletes face significant risk of sports-related dental injuries, with studies showing that athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries without protection. A properly fitted mouthguard is one of the most effective and underutilized pieces of protective equipment, preventing serious dental injuries that can result in permanent tooth loss, complex restorative treatment, and long-term oral health consequences.
Understanding Dental Injury Risk in Sports
Dental injuries occur in various sports, though contact sports like football, hockey, and basketball pose the highest risk. However, accidents happen in non-contact sports as well—a runner tripping, a baseball player struck by a ball, or a soccer player colliding with another player can all result in dental trauma.
The most common dental injuries from sports include chipped or fractured teeth, dislodged (knocked-out) teeth, and teeth driven into the jawbone. Soft tissue injuries affecting lips, cheeks, and gums also commonly occur. While some injuries are minor, others can be severe, requiring emergency treatment, root canals, or even tooth extraction and replacement.
The emotional impact of losing a tooth shouldn't be underestimated, particularly for young people concerned about appearance. Furthermore, if a tooth is knocked out and not properly managed, the long-term replacement—through implants or bridges—requires significant treatment over many years.
Types of Mouthguards Available
Stock mouthguards are pre-formed, ready-to-wear devices available at most sporting goods stores. They're inexpensive (typically $5 to 10) but offer suboptimal fit and comfort. They're bulky, frequently fall out during activity, and often interfere with breathing and speech. However, they provide some protection and are better than nothing for casual recreational athletes.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are thermoplastic devices softened in hot water, then molded to the athlete's teeth by biting into them. Costing around $10 to 30, these offer better fit than stock guards and improved comfort and retention. They're readily available and suitable for many young athletes, though the fitting process requires care to achieve optimal protection.
Custom-fabricated mouthguards are professionally made by a dentist using precise impressions and models of the athlete's teeth and gums. These offer the best fit, comfort, and protection, though they're more expensive ($150 to 300). For serious competitive athletes, the superior fit and retention justify the investment.
Choosing the Right Type for Your Young Athlete
For recreational athletes or those just starting a sport, a boil-and-bite mouthguard offers a good balance of protection, fit, and cost. Take time with the fitting process—improper fitting reduces effectiveness and comfort. If your child frequently removes their guard because of discomfort, a custom option may ultimately prove more effective.
For competitive athletes playing contact sports seriously—particularly those at risk of significant dental trauma—a custom mouthguard offers superior protection and comfort that encourages consistent use. The better retention and fit provide confidence that protection is maximized.
Young athletes with braces require special consideration. Some athletes need modified guards that accommodate brackets without allowing the guard to slip. Discuss with your orthodontist whether standard mouthguards work with your child's specific braces, or if a custom guard is necessary. The American Association of Orthodontists doesn't recommend using mouthguards over braces due to potential bracket damage.
Proper Fitting of Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
If choosing a boil-and-bite option, careful fitting is essential to maximize protection. Follow manufacturer instructions precisely. Typically, you submerge the guard in hot water for the specified time until it softens and becomes pliable.
Once softened, remove the guard and let it cool slightly. Your athlete should insert it into their mouth and bite firmly, using finger pressure on the outside to mold it around the teeth and gums. The goal is a snug, comfortable fit that doesn't require the athlete to hold it in place.
After molding, immediately cool the guard in cold water to set the shape. Test the fit—it should stay in place during mouth movement, be comfortable during speech, and not interfere significantly with breathing. If the fit is suboptimal, some guards allow re-fitting by repeating the process, though this typically works only once or twice.
Custom-Fabricated Mouthguards
For a custom guard, your dentist takes precise impressions of your child's upper teeth and gums. Using these impressions, the dental lab creates a plaster model onto which the protective material is formed. The result is a guard that fits every contour of your child's teeth and gums perfectly.
Custom guards offer several advantages beyond superior fit. They're more durable, lasting longer than boil-and-bite versions. They allow a thicker protective layer in critical areas while remaining thin and comfortable elsewhere, optimizing protection and comfort. They're easier to keep clean and require less maintenance.
Mouthguard Care and Maintenance
Proper care extends mouthguard lifespan and maintains protection effectiveness. After use, rinse the guard with cold water and soap, thoroughly cleaning all surfaces. Never use hot water or leave it in hot environments, as heat can distort the shape.
Store the mouthguard in a well-ventilated case that allows air circulation, preventing bacterial growth and odor. Never allow it to dry completely in the sun for extended periods, as this degrades the material. Periodically inspect for wear, cracks, or areas of deterioration.
Replace the mouthguard annually or whenever signs of wear appear. Additionally, because children's mouths are actively developing, fitting changes as primary teeth are lost and permanent teeth erupt. A mouthguard that fit perfectly six months ago may fit poorly as dental development progresses.
Emergencies: Managing Dental Injuries
Despite preventive measures, injuries sometimes occur. If your athlete loses a tooth during sports, this is a true dental emergency. Immediately apply pressure to stop bleeding, rinse the tooth carefully with milk (not tap water), and place it back in the socket if possible, or transport it in milk to a dentist.
If the tooth cannot be replaced within 30 to 60 minutes of injury, it likely cannot be saved. However, prompt professional care can sometimes save the tooth. The American Dental Association recommends seeking dental care immediately if any tooth is knocked out.
A chipped or fractured tooth also requires prompt evaluation. Some fractures are superficial and require only cosmetic repair, while others extend into the pulp, requiring root canal treatment. Your dentist will evaluate the extent of injury and recommend appropriate treatment.
Insurance and Financial Considerations
Many insurance plans, including some medical policies, provide coverage for sports-related mouthguards if deemed medically necessary. Check your specific policy. Some orthodontic coverage includes funds for custom guards when the athlete has braces.
The cost of a custom guard ($150 to 300) is often less expensive than treating a severe dental injury (root canals cost $1,000 to 2,000, implants $3,000 to 6,000). From a financial perspective alone, preventing even one significant injury justifies the investment.
Encouraging Consistent Use
The most effective mouthguard is one your child actually wears. Some athletes resist wearing guards due to discomfort, appearance, or interference with performance. Discussing the cost and complexity of dental trauma treatment helps young athletes understand why protection is important.
Allowing them to choose the style or color of a custom guard increases buy-in. Having their name engraved on the guard also personalizes it. Making sure they understand that professional athletes consistently use proper protection may also motivate compliance.
Young athletes participating in contact sports should wear mouthguards consistently. Whether choosing an inexpensive boil-and-bite option or investing in a custom guard, proper fitting and consistent use prevent serious dental injuries that can affect your child's health and appearance for life. Work with your pediatric dentist to select the most appropriate mouthguard option for your athlete and ensure they understand the importance of consistent use.