Sports Mouth Guards for Children: Why Fit Matters

A sports mouth guard is a protective covering worn over the teeth during athletic activity. For children and teens, it can help reduce the risk of dental injuries and injuries to the lips, cheeks, and tongue during contact and recreational sports.

The right type of guard depends on the child’s sport, age, dental development, and mouthguard fit. A dental assessment can help a parent understand the options. The dentists at Clarenville Dental Care are general dentists.

Why children may need a sports mouth guard

Falls, collisions, equipment and contact with another player can cause chipped, broken, loosened, or knocked-out teeth. A mouth guard creates a protective layer between the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth, which may reduce the risk or severity of some dental and soft-tissue injuries.

A mouth guard does not prevent every injury and should not replace sport-specific safety equipment or safe play. Its protective effect can vary with the sport, the force and direction of an impact, and whether the guard is worn and fits properly.

Learn more about Sports Mouth Guards at Clarenville Dental Care.

When should a child wear one?

Mouth guards are commonly considered for contact and collision sports, including hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby, martial arts, boxing, and wrestling. They may also be useful in activities where falls or facial impacts can occur, such as basketball, baseball, cycling, skateboarding, skiing, and gymnastics.

Parents can check the rules of their child’s league, school, club, or facility, as mouth protection may be required for certain activities. When requirements are unclear, asking a coach or organizer is a practical first step.

Why fit matters

A guard that is loose, bulky, damaged, or difficult to keep in place may be less likely to be worn consistently. A well-fitting guard should stay over the upper teeth without needing to be held in place by biting, while still allowing the child to breathe and communicate as comfortably as possible during play.

Over-the-counter options include stock guards and boil-and-bite guards. A dentist may also recommend discussing a custom-made option. Each approach has potential benefits and limitations related to fit, comfort, durability, and cost, so the suitable choice depends on the child’s needs and an assessment where appropriate.

Children’s mouths change as baby teeth are lost and permanent teeth erupt. A guard that once fit may need to be checked or replaced as the child grows or after orthodontic changes.

Caring for a sports mouth guard

Rinse the guard with cool water after use and clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Let it dry fully before placing it in a ventilated protective case. Avoid hot water or leaving it in a hot vehicle, since heat can change the shape of some materials.

Inspect the guard regularly for tears, rough edges, poor fit, or an odour that does not improve with cleaning. A damaged or poorly fitting guard should be assessed for replacement rather than altered at home.

What to do after a sports-related dental injury

A broken, displaced, loose, or knocked-out tooth should be assessed urgently. Seek emergency help immediately for trouble breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, or a suspected serious head or facial injury.

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, locate it and handle it by the crown, not the root. If it is visibly dirty, gently rinse it briefly with clean water without scrubbing it. Contact a dentist or emergency service promptly for urgent guidance. If immediate replantation is not possible, ask the dental or emergency team about appropriate temporary storage while you travel for care.

Do not try to replant a baby tooth. A dental professional can advise on the next step after any injury to a primary tooth. This general first-aid information should not delay urgent professional assessment.

Key takeaways

• Sports mouth guards can help reduce the risk of some dental and mouth soft-tissue injuries, but they cannot prevent every injury.
• Children may benefit from mouth protection in contact sports and in activities where falls or facial impacts can occur.
• Fit matters: a guard should stay in place, feel comfortable enough to wear, and be replaced if it becomes damaged or no longer fits.
• A knocked-out or displaced tooth needs urgent professional advice, particularly when a permanent tooth is involved.

Frequently asked questions

Are sports mouth guards only for contact sports?

No. They are commonly used for contact and collision sports, but may also be considered for activities with a meaningful risk of falls or facial impacts. League rules and the child’s individual activity can help guide the decision.

How often should a child’s mouth guard be replaced?

There is no single schedule for every child. Replace a guard if it is torn, worn, warped, difficult to keep in place, or no longer fits as the child grows or their teeth change.

Can a child wear a sports mouth guard with braces?

A child with braces may need a guard suited to orthodontic treatment. Ask the dentist or orthodontic provider which option is appropriate, and do not modify an appliance without professional advice.

What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth during sports?

Seek urgent dental advice right away. For a permanent tooth, handle it only by the crown, rinse it gently if dirty without scrubbing, and ask the dental or emergency team about immediate next steps and temporary storage if it cannot be promptly replanted. Do not replant a baby tooth.