Medically Reviewed by Esteem Dental And Orthodontic Team on April 8, 2025
The crack of the bat, the swish of the net, the cheer of teammates—spring sports season brings excitement and activity after months of winter. Unfortunately, it also brings a significant risk to your child’s dental health, with nearly 40% of all dental injuries occurring during sports activities. A single errant ball, accidental elbow, or unexpected fall can result in chipped, broken, or even knocked-out teeth that require extensive, expensive treatment and potentially cause lifelong dental issues.
At Esteem Dental, we see preventable sports-related dental injuries every spring season. Our multi-specialty practice understands the importance of protecting young smiles while allowing children to enjoy their athletic pursuits fully. A properly fitted mouthguard represents one of the most effective ways to prevent these injuries, reducing the risk of dental trauma by up to 60% during contact and non-contact sports alike.
Why Mouthguards Matter
Mouthguards serve as protective barriers that absorb and distribute impact forces that might otherwise damage teeth, soft tissues, and even jawbones. These specially designed devices cover the upper teeth, creating cushioning that helps prevent direct trauma.
The protection mouthguards provide extends beyond just teeth. They also shield soft tissues like the lips, cheeks, and tongue from lacerations caused by teeth during impact. Some evidence suggests they may even reduce concussion risk by absorbing shock and stabilizing the head and neck during collision.
Despite these clear benefits, many young athletes still play without mouth protection. Common reasons include discomfort with ill-fitting guards, interference with speaking or breathing, and appearance concerns. Fortunately, modern mouthguards address many of these issues with improved designs that offer both protection and comfort.
Types of Mouthguards for Young Athletes
Not all mouthguards provide equal protection. Understanding the different types available helps you select the best option for your child’s specific needs.
Stock Mouthguards
These pre-formed guards come ready to wear right off the shelf. While inexpensive and widely available at sporting goods stores, they typically offer the least protection and comfort. Their one-size-fits-all approach means they rarely fit properly, making them bulky and uncomfortable. Many children find them difficult to keep in place and challenging to speak or breathe with during play.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
These thermoplastic guards become pliable when heated in hot water, allowing for some customization to your child’s mouth. After heating, your child bites into the material, creating a somewhat personalized fit. While offering better protection than stock guards, they still lack the precise fit and comfort of custom options. However, they provide a reasonable middle-ground option in terms of price and protection.
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
Created by dental professionals, custom mouthguards offer superior protection, comfort, and durability. The process involves taking precise impressions of your child’s teeth, which are used to create a guard specifically molded to their unique dental anatomy. Though more expensive initially, these guards typically last longer, provide better protection, and are significantly more comfortable—increasing the likelihood your child will actually wear it consistently.
For children with braces or other dental appliances, custom guards become even more important, as they can be designed to provide proper clearance while still offering maximum protection.
Choosing the Right Mouthguard for Your Child’s Sport
Different sports present varying levels of collision risk, influencing the type of mouthguard your child might need. High-contact sports like football, hockey, and lacrosse absolutely require maximum protection with high-quality mouthguards. Medium-contact sports, including basketball, soccer, and baseball, still present significant risk for dental injuries and benefit greatly from mouthguard use.
Even non-contact sports like gymnastics, skateboarding, and biking carry injury risks during falls or accidents. Though sometimes overlooked, these activities still warrant mouth protection, particularly for children with orthodontic work or those who have already experienced dental injuries.
For young athletes with braces, specialized orthodontic mouthguards provide room for brackets while still offering protection. These guards typically feature a design that prevents damage to orthodontic appliances while protecting both the appliances and soft tissues from damage during impacts.
Proper Care and Maintenance of Athletic Mouthguards
Even the best mouthguard requires proper care to remain effective and hygienic. Establish these simple habits with your young athlete:
- Rinse thoroughly before and after each use with cool water or mouthwash
- Clean regularly with mild soap and a soft toothbrush
- Store in a ventilated case when not in use to prevent bacterial growth
- Keep away from high temperatures that could warp the material
- Check regularly for signs of wear, thinning, or damage
Most mouthguards need replacement every season or sooner if they show signs of damage or excessive wear. For growing children, more frequent replacement may be necessary as their mouths develop and change. Custom guards typically last longer than stock or boil-and-bite options, often providing protection for multiple seasons when properly maintained.
Why Choose Esteem Dental for Your Child’s Mouthguard
At Esteem Dental, we provide high-quality custom mouthguards designed specifically for your child’s unique dental anatomy and sport requirements. Our multi-specialty practice understands both pediatric dentistry and sports safety, allowing us to create protective devices that offer maximum protection without compromising comfort or performance. We take time to properly fit each guard and educate both parents and young athletes about proper use and maintenance.
We believe preventative care represents the best approach to maintaining your child’s healthy smile throughout their athletic endeavors. Our team works with families to ensure young athletes receive appropriate protection while enjoying their favorite sports activities. From custom mouthguards to emergency dental care, if injuries do occur, we provide comprehensive services for active children and teens. To learn more about protecting your child’s smile during spring sports season, contact us at (407) 476-5650 or through our contact form to schedule an appointment.
Esteem Dental And Orthodontic Team
Our team is composed of highly skilled dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and administrative staff, each committed to ensuring that every visit is comfortable, effective, and rewarding. Led by our experienced dental practitioners, we utilize the latest technologies and techniques to deliver top-quality care and transformative results.
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