If your child plays sports, you already know how important it is to protect their body with the right gear. But are you protecting their smile, too? When it comes to young athletes, mouthguards are just as important. At Children’s Dental Center in Memphis, we specialize in protecting growing smiles, and we want to make sure every young athlete stays safe on and off the field.
Why Do Young Athletes Need Mouthguards?
Youth sports are full of energy, movement, and sometimes, unexpected impact. Whether your child plays football, basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey, or even participates in gymnastics or skateboarding, they’re at high risk of oral injuries. A properly fitted mouthguard can help:
- Prevent broken or chipped teeth
- Avoid lip and cheek injuries
- Protect braces and other orthodontic appliances
- Reduce the risk of jaw injuries
- Minimize the chance of concussions
Mouthguards for athletes act as a cushion that absorbs and redistributes the force of impact. Without one, even a minor bump to the face can result in costly and painful dental injuries that can require emergency treatment.
Types of Mouthguards
When shopping around for a mouthguard, you’ll find a few different types available, but we recommend one type far more highly than the rest.
1. Stock Mouthguards
- Pre-formed and ready to wear
- Inexpensive but often bulky and uncomfortable
- Least protective and least secure fit
2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
- Available at most sporting goods stores
- Made from a thermoplastic material
- Softened in hot water, then molded to your child’s teeth
- Better fit than stock guards, but still not customized
3. Custom-Fitted Mouthguards (From Your Dentist)
- Made specifically for your child’s mouth
- Highest level of comfort, fit, and protection
- Recommended for athletes with braces or specific dental needs
While store-bought options can provide basic protection, nothing compares to a custom mouthguard made by a dental professional like Dr. Rowland, Dr. Selecman, Dr. Daniel, Dr. Greene, or Dr. Church.
Store-Bought vs. Custom Mouthguards
While it might be tempting to grab a mouthguard off the shelf at your local sporting goods store, there are important differences to consider between those and professional-grade ones.
Store-Bought Mouthguards
- One-size-fits-all approach
- Can be bulky or loose
- It may make speaking and breathing harder
- Wear out more quickly
Custom Mouthguards from the Dentist
- Personalized fit means better protection
- Comfortable to wear long-term
- More durable and long-lasting
- Better for kids with braces or dental work
Think of it like comparing flip-flops to running shoes—both protect your feet, but only one is truly built for performance and support. When it comes to your child’s safety, custom mouthguards for athletes are absolutely worth the investment.
How We Fit Custom Mouthguards
At Children’s Dental Center, we make the process of getting a custom mouthguard simple and stress-free. Here’s what to expect:
- Initial Consultation: We’ll assess your child’s smile, talk about their sport(s), and determine if a custom mouthguard is the right choice.
- Digital Impressions: Instead of goopy trays, we use advanced digital scanning technology to capture a precise model of your child’s teeth.
- Mouthguard Creation: Using the impression, we create a mouthguard that fits perfectly. The result is a lightweight, durable device that won’t interfere with speaking or breathing.
- Final Fitting: We make sure everything fits just right and provide tips for proper care and use. That way, your child gets maximum protection and comfort.
Because our team is made up of pediatric specialists, we can promise that every step is child-friendly and explained clearly to help kids feel comfortable.
Questions About Mouthguards
Q: At what age should my child start wearing a mouthguard?
A: As soon as your child participates in sports with physical contact or risk of falls, it’s time for a mouthguard. This can start as young as age six, depending on the sport.
Q: Can my child wear a mouthguard with braces?
A: Yes! In fact, a mouthguard is especially important if your child wears braces. A custom mouthguard can protect both the braces and the soft tissues in the mouth.
Q: How long does a mouthguard last?
A: It depends on your child’s age, growth, and activity level. Many children need a new mouthguard each sports season due to changes in their teeth or jaw.
Q: How do I clean and care for the mouthguard?
A: Rinse it with cool water after each use and store it in a ventilated case. Clean it regularly with a toothbrush or gentle soap. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or hot water, which can warp the material and make it fit incorrectly.
Q: What sports require a mouthguard?
A: Mouthguards are recommended for any contact or high-impact sport—football, basketball, hockey, wrestling, lacrosse, soccer, martial arts, gymnastics, and more.
The Promise of Protection
So yes, a mouthguard is every bit as important as a helmet or other protective equipment for your kids. If your child struggles with wearing one, we can help partner with you to provide some encouragement and education. We have three amazing offices in Arlington, Collierville, and Midtown. Come by and see us soon!