Why Mouthguards Matter for Children in Sport

When it comes to protecting your child’s teeth during sport, the importance of choosing the right mouthguard cannot be overstated. Children, especially those involved in physical activities, are at greater risk of experiencing dental trauma. A well-fitted mouthguard serves as a protective barrier, helping reduce the impact of accidental collisions and falls.

Understanding which type of mouthguard is appropriate for your child—based on their age, stage of dental development, and the specific sport they play—is important. While generic store-bought options exist, they may not always provide the fit, retention, or durability required for high-impact environments.

What Types of Mouthguards Are Available for Children?

Mouthguards generally come in three main types, each offering different levels of fit, comfort, and protection.

Stock Mouthguards

• Pre-formed and ready to wear
• Often ill-fitting and may not stay in place

Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

• Made of a thermoplastic material that softens in hot water
• Moulds to the teeth when bitten
• Provides moderate fit and protection

Custom-Made Mouthguards

• Professionally fitted by a dental practitioner
• Offers the highest level of protection, comfort, and retention

Each option varies in terms of coverage, shock absorption, and suitability for different ages and sports.

What Should You Consider When Selecting a Mouthguard by Age?

Children’s mouths change rapidly as they grow. Choosing an age-appropriate mouthguard is essential for both protection and comfort.

Under 7 Years

• Soft, flexible material for comfort
• Minimal bulk to ensure proper breathing
• Easy to insert and remove

Ages 7–12

• Must allow for mixed dentition (baby and adult teeth)
• Durable enough for moderate contact sports
• Balanced protection and comfort

Ages 13+

• Designed for full-contact sports
• Custom-fit is often recommended, especially with braces or orthodontic work
• Needs to provide a snug and stable fit for prolonged use

A poorly fitted mouthguard may dislodge during play, interfering with speech and breathing, particularly in younger children.

How Does the Type of Sport Influence the Choice of Mouthguard?

Not all sports carry the same level of risk. The choice of a mouthguard should reflect the contact level of the sport.

Low Contact Sports (e.g., soccer, cricket)

• Lightweight protection may be sufficient
• Boil-and-bite options are sometimes acceptable

Medium Contact Sports (e.g., basketball, netball)

• Moderate protection required
• Enhanced cushioning and retention are ideal

High Contact Sports (e.g., rugby, AFL, martial arts)

• Maximum impact resistance needed
• Multi-layered, custom-fitted mouthguards are generally recommended

Why Is a Custom-Fitted Mouthguard Often Preferred?

Boil-and-bite and stock mouthguards may provide a level of protection but often lack consistency in fit. A custom-fitted mouthguard offers several advantages tailored to a child’s needs.

Key attributes include:

• Individual fit for improved comfort
• Clearer speech and better retention during sport
• Durable materials to withstand repeated impact
• Can be adjusted for braces or mixed dentition

These mouthguards are made using dental impressions and high-grade materials to meet safety standards.

How Do the Different Mouthguards Compare?

Table: Comparing Mouthguard Types

Mouthguard Type	Fit	Protection Level	Comfort	Customisation	Recommended Use
Stock	Poor	Low	Low	None	Temporary or emergency use only
Boil-and-Bite	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Limited	Low-to-medium impact sports
Custom-Fitted	Excellent	High	High	Full	Full-contact sports, orthodontics

This table is provided for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for a professional dental assessment.

What Are the Key Features to Look for in a Safe Mouthguard?

A safe and effective mouthguard should have:

• Medical-grade thermoplastic material
• Secure retention across the teeth
• Shock-absorption design
• Age-appropriate size and thickness
• Easy-to-clean surface

Avoid mouthguards that are loose, bulky, or uneven in thickness, as these may compromise protection.

What Role Does Your Child’s Dentist Play in Selecting the Right Mouthguard?

A dental consultation allows for a professional assessment of your child’s oral anatomy, sporting risk, and appliance needs. This ensures the mouthguard is appropriate for both their dental stage and activity level.

A dentist can:

• Identify developing dental issues
• Ensure a safe and secure fit
• Make adjustments for braces or orthodontic appliances
• Provide advice on hygiene, storage, and replacement schedules

Why Should Parents Reassess Mouthguards Regularly?

Children grow quickly, and their sporting requirements often change. A mouthguard that once fit well may become less effective over time.

Regular reassessment helps:

• Determine when replacements are required
• Detect wear or distortion
• Adjust for growth or orthodontic treatment
• Maintain hygiene and protective function

It is generally recommended that parents review their child’s mouthguard at least annually, or sooner if there are signs of damage or poor fit.

Mouthguards at Dakabin Dental

At Dakabin Dental, we provide custom-fitted mouthguards designed for children at different stages of growth and across a range of sports. Our process includes an oral assessment, consideration of the sport’s contact level, and fitting to ensure comfort and protection.

Custom-fitted mouthguards can be especially valuable for children with orthodontic appliances or those playing high-contact sports. Regular reviews are encouraged to ensure the appliance continues to provide effective coverage as your child grows.

References

• Australian Dental Association – Mouthguards
• Sports Medicine Australia – Safety Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best type of mouthguard for children playing contact sports?
A custom-fitted mouthguard is generally recommended for contact sports due to its greater protection and stability.

2. How often should my child’s mouthguard be replaced?
A yearly review is suggested, or sooner if there are signs of growth changes, wear, or damage.

3. Can my child wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes, custom-fitted mouthguards can be made to accommodate orthodontic appliances.

4. Are boil-and-bite mouthguards safe for children?
They can provide moderate protection for low-contact sports but may not fit securely or stay in place.

5. How do I clean and store my child’s mouthguard?
Rinse after each use, store in a ventilated case, and clean weekly with a toothbrush and mild soap. Avoid leaving it in heat or direct sunlight.

6. What happens if my child refuses to wear their mouthguard?
Speak with your dentist about adjustments for comfort or strategies to encourage regular use.

Disclaimer

All dental procedures involve potential risks and benefits. The information provided in this blog is general in nature and should not be taken as medical advice. We recommend that you seek guidance from a suitably qualified health professional before making decisions about your oral health. Where appropriate, you may also wish to consider obtaining a second opinion.

Any images or videos featured are shared with the informed consent of our patients and are intended for educational purposes only. They are not a guarantee of results, as every patient is unique. Treatment outcomes — including recovery, potential complications, and effectiveness — can vary from person to person.