Why Mouthguards Matter for Young Athletes
Playing sports is a fantastic way for kids to stay active, build skills, and have fun, yet it also brings risks. In fact, a startling 39% of all dental injuries in children are sports-related. Without protection, the Canadian Dental Association reports that children are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries like chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth.
That’s where mouthguards come in. They act as a shock-absorbing cushion, protecting teeth, gums, jaws, and soft tissues like lips and tongue from serious injury. They may even help reduce the impact of a blow to the jaw, offering some protection against concussion.
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) strongly recommends wearing a mouthguard in sports that risk dental injury, including not just full-contact activities but also those with falls or collisions like baseball, skateboarding, and gymnastics
Types of Mouthguards: Pros and Cons
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | Convenient and inexpensive | Poor fit, bulky, may hinder breathing/talking |
| Boil-and-Bite | Better fit than stock; available in many stores | Still not perfect; fit can shift with time |
| Custom-Fit | Best fit, comfort, and protection, especially with braces or active jaw movement | Higher initial cost, though often covered by dental insurance |
Dental professionals emphasize that custom mouthguards offer the greatest protection and are the most comfortable, making them the option children are most likely to wear consistently.
Special Considerations
- Braces or orthodontic treatment? Custom-fit mouthguards are especially important, they protect both teeth and appliances and prevent cuts inside the mouth.
- Growth matters: Children’s mouths change quickly, replace mouthguards every season or at least every six months to ensure proper fit.
- Choosing inclusion: With the risk so high, healthcare professionals suggest a “No Mouthguard, No Play” policy, making mouthguards as essential as helmets and pads.
Why Mouthguards Are a Smart Investment
Custom mouthguards help prevent painful injuries, and the costly dental treatments that come with them. In many cases, emergency repairs to broken or lost permanent teeth can run into the thousands of dollars
Plus, when kids feel their smile is protected, they’re more confident and focused on the game, not worried about losing a tooth
Quick Checklist: Mouthguards for Young Athletes
- Recommended for all contact or high-risk sports, including hockey, soccer, basketball, skateboarding, and even gymnastics
- Custom-fit guards provide the best protection, comfort, and compliance
- Replace regularly, especially after injury, orthodontic changes, or growth spurts
- Consult your pediatric dentist, they can take impressions, recommend materials and fit options, and ensure your child’s mouthguard stays effective over time.
Keep Smiles Safe, One Game at a Time
Protecting your child’s mouth during sports is simple, and a custom-fit mouthguard is the most effective way to prevent dental trauma.
At Little Pearls Pediatric Dentistry in Toronto, we encourage parents to explore quality mouthguard options through your sports program or local sporting goods store. Bring any mouthguard your child uses to their next visit, our team will gladly check the fit and offer tips to help keep your child’s smile protected during sports.
- Phone: 416-960-4422
- Email: [email protected]
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- Address: 81 Billy Bishop Way, Unit D2, North York, ON, M3K 0C2 | View on Google Maps
