Why mouthguards are important in youth sports
A mouthguard acts like a cushion, protecting teeth and the soft parts of the mouth. If a child gets hit or falls, the mouthguard absorbs and spreads out the impact, helping prevent injuries to teeth, gums, lips, and even the jaw.
Without protection, even a minor accident can lead to:
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Lip and tongue injuries
- Jaw fractures
- Expensive emergency dental treatment
Because kids are still developing coordination and balance, their risk of injury is even higher than that of adults in many sports.
High-contact sports that require mouthguards
Some sports involve direct physical contact, making mouthguards essential rather than optional. These include:
- Football
- Wrestling
- Rugby
- Martial arts (karate, taekwondo, judo)
- Ice hockey
- Lacrosse
These sports involve many collisions, falls, and contact, making dental injuries much more likely. In many youth leagues, mouthguards are required for these sports.
High-impact ball sports where protection is strongly recommended
Even in sports with little contact, fast-moving balls, bats, or players can still cause serious dental injuries. Kids playing these sports should wear mouthguards:
- Basketball
- Baseball and softball
- Soccer
- Field hockey
- Volleyball
In basketball and soccer, accidental elbows, falls, or bumps happen all the time. In baseball and softball, balls and bats can hit the face at high speeds, so protective gear is especially important.
Action and outdoor sports with hidden risks
Some recreational and outdoor sports may not seem dangerous at first, but they still pose a risk of dental injury due to falls or sudden impact:
- Skateboarding
- Bicycling
- Rollerblading
- Scooters
- Gymnastics
- Skiing and snowboarding
These activities often challenge kids’ balance, which means they’re more likely to fall face-first or hit a hard surface.
Why dentists recommend mouthguards for almost all sports
The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for any sport with contact, collisions, or fast moves because dental injuries are hard to predict—and can be costly to fix.
Even in non-contact sports, accidents can happen during practice, warm-ups, or just messing around. That’s why many pediatric dentists encourage kids to wear mouthguards whenever there’s a chance of falling or getting hit.
Types of mouthguards for children
Parents usually have three options when choosing protection:
Stock mouthguards
These are pre-formed and cheap, but they’re often uncomfortable and bulky.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards
You soften these in hot water and mold them at home for a better fit.
Custom mouthguards
Custom-made by a dentist for the best fit and maximum comfort. These are usually recommended for active kids or those in contact sports.
When should children start using a mouthguard?
Kids should start wearing mouthguards as soon as they join any organized sport where there’s a chance of contact or falling. Because their mouths grow and change quickly, mouthguards may need to be adjusted or replaced regularly to maintain a proper fit.
Helping kids get used to wearing a mouthguard
Some kids don’t like wearing mouthguards at first, but it gets easier with practice. Parents can help by:
- Letting them wear it at home before games
- Choosing comfortable, properly fitted options
- Explaining how it protects their smile
- Making it part of their sports routine
When kids use mouthguards regularly, they’ll start to see them as just another essential piece of gear—like helmets or pads.
Final thoughts
Sports help kids stay healthy, build teamwork skills, and boost their confidence—but protecting their teeth is just as important as protecting the rest of their bodies. Knowing which sports require or strongly recommend mouthguards can prevent dental injuries and emergency visits.
For families looking for help with sports safety and protecting kids’ smiles, Pike Pediatric Dentistry in Boca Raton offers care designed to keep children healthy on and off the field.
Schedule your child’s dental visit with us today to learn more about custom mouthguards and how to keep their smile safe for every game.