When children take part in sport, parents naturally think about helmets, pads and other protective equipment. But one important piece of protection can sometimes be overlooked: a sports mouthguard.

A fall, collision or unexpected hit can damage a child's teeth, lips, tongue or jaw. Sports such as football, basketball, hockey, boxing and soccer can involve a risk of dental injury, and some non-contact activities can also cause accidents. The Australian Dental Association recommends mouthguards for activities where there is a risk of impact to the mouth.

For parents, the question is not simply whether their child needs a mouthguard. It is which type will provide suitable protection while remaining comfortable enough to wear consistently?

Why Do Kids Need Sports Mouthguards?

Children are active, and sports do not always go exactly as planned. A player can collide with another child, fall to the ground or be hit by sports equipment.

A properly fitted mouthguard helps absorb and spread the force of an impact, reducing the risk of injuries to the teeth and mouth. Dental injuries can include chipped, cracked or knocked-out teeth, cuts to the lips and tongue, and damage to the jaw.

This is why mouthguard use should not be limited to competition. The Australian Dental Association recommends wearing a mouthguard during both training and games when there is a risk of oral injury.

What Types of Mouthguards Can Children Wear?

Parents will generally come across two main options: custom-fitted mouthguards and store-bought mouthguards, including boil-and-bite styles.

Custom-Fitted Mouthguards

A custom mouthguard is made specifically for the child's teeth and mouth by a dental professional. The dentist can take an impression or scan of the teeth and use it to create a personalised fit.

A well-made custom mouthguard should stay securely in place and allow the child to breathe and speak comfortably. Because it is designed for the individual child, it can also provide a more precise fit than a generic product.

The Australian Dental Association identifies dentist-made custom mouthguards as the most protective option for the teeth and mouth.

Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

Boil-and-bite mouthguards are available from many sports stores and pharmacies. They are softened in warm water and then shaped around the teeth at home.

They can provide more protection than having no mouthguard at all, but the final fit depends on how well the material adapts to the child's mouth. Poorly fitting mouthguards may move around and can interfere with comfortable speaking or breathing.

For children who play regularly or participate in higher-risk sports, parents may want to discuss a custom option with their dentist.

How Can Parents Choose the Right Mouthguard?

The right mouthguard is not necessarily the one with the lowest price or the most attractive design. Parents should consider fit, comfort, protection and the child's individual dental needs.

Here are some useful points to consider:

• Does it fit securely? A good mouthguard should fit securely without needing frequent repositioning. 
• Can your child breathe comfortably? A mouthguard should not make normal breathing unnecessarily difficult.
• Can they speak clearly? This is particularly important for team sports where children need to communicate with coaches and teammates.
• Does it suit their sport? The level and type of contact can influence the type of protection needed.
• Does your child have braces or other dental appliances? Their mouthguard may need to be designed around their orthodontic treatment.
• Is your child comfortable wearing it? A mouthguard that feels uncomfortable is less likely to be worn consistently.

A dentist can assess your child's teeth, mouth and sporting activities before recommending a suitable option.

What If Your Child Has Braces?

Children wearing braces still need protection during sports where there is a risk of impact.

A mouthguard can help protect the teeth and soft tissues from contact with the braces during an accident. However, a standard mouthguard may not be appropriate as the child's teeth move during orthodontic treatment.

If your child has braces or aligners, speak with their dentist or orthodontic provider about choosing a mouthguard designed for their current treatment.

When Should Kids Wear Their Mouthguard?

A common mistake is putting the mouthguard in only for the actual match.

If the child is at risk of a dental injury during training, the mouthguard should be worn then as well. The Australian Dental Association recommends mouthguard use during both sporting games and training where there is a risk of oral injury.

Parents can make this easier by keeping the mouthguard in the child's sports bag and making it part of their normal preparation routine.

How Should a Child Look After a Mouthguard?

A mouthguard needs regular care to keep it clean and in good condition.

After use, rinse it with cool or lukewarm water and clean it as advised by your dentist. Allow it to dry before placing it in a protective case.

Parents should also:

• Store the mouthguard in a cool place, away from strong sunlight and heat. 
• Avoid letting children chew on it.
• Check the mouthguard regularly to make sure it is still in good condition. 
• Keep the mouthguard and case clearly identified.
• Ask the dentist to check the fit as the child grows.

Children's mouths change as they grow, so a mouthguard that fitted well previously may eventually need adjustment or replacement. The Australian Dental Association recommends checking the condition and fit of a mouthguard and replacing damaged ones.

Why Custom Mouthguards Can Be a Better Choice for Growing Children

Children are still developing, which makes fit particularly important.

A custom mouthguard is designed around the child's individual mouth rather than being made in one standard shape. This can make it easier for the child to wear the appliance comfortably during sport.

At Kallangur Dental Hub, custom sports mouthguards are available for children and can be personalised in different colours, including team colours. The clinic also provides children's dental care, allowing parents to discuss their child's mouthguard needs as part of their wider dental care.

What If Your Child Injures a Tooth During Sport?

Even when a child wears protective equipment, accidents can still happen.

If a tooth is chipped, cracked, displaced or knocked out, parents should arrange dental assessment promptly. Healthdirect advises seeing a dentist after a dental injury because some damage may require timely treatment. Significant bleeding or swelling, or a knocked-out adult tooth, requires urgent attention.

If you are looking for an Emergency Dentist in Kallangur after a sporting injury, prompt professional assessment can help determine what treatment is needed.

For families searching for a dentist in Mango Hill, choosing a dental practice that provides children's dentistry and mouthguard services can also make ongoing preventive care more convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. At what age should my child start wearing a sports mouthguard?

There is no single age that applies to every child. The Australian Dental Association's guidance supports introducing custom mouthguards when children begin organised contact sport or other activities where there is a risk of dental injury.

2. Is a custom mouthguard better than a boil-and-bite option?

A custom-fitted mouthguard made by a dentist generally provides a more precise fit and the greatest level of protection. Store-bought options can vary in fit and protection.

3. Does my child need a mouthguard for training?

If the training activity carries a risk of impact to the mouth, yes. Mouthguards are recommended for both training and competition in sports where there is a risk of oral injury.

4. Can children wear mouthguards with braces?

Yes, but children with braces may need a mouthguard designed specifically for their orthodontic treatment. Ask their dentist or orthodontic provider before choosing one.

5. When should a child's mouthguard be replaced?

It should be replaced if it becomes damaged, worn or no longer fits properly. Because children's teeth and jaws change as they grow, regular fit checks are important.

Conclusion

A sports mouthguard is a simple part of a child's sporting equipment, but choosing the right one can make a meaningful difference to their oral protection. A comfortable, secure fit makes it easier for children to wear their mouthguard consistently during training and games.

For parents who want personalised advice or a custom sports mouthguard, Kallangur Dental Hub provides children's dentistry and custom mouthguard services designed around individual dental needs.