Sports Mouthguards for Kids: Protecting Smiles on the Field

Every season, kids lose teeth to balls, elbows, and playground falls that a simple piece of equipment could have prevented. A sports mouthguard is one of the cheapest insurance policies in youth sports, and the custom-fitted kind actually gets worn, which is what matters.

I am Dr. Nina. We are specialists in custom-fitted sports mouthguards, and here is what I tell parents before the season starts.

Why custom fit matters

Boil-and-bite guards from the sporting goods store are better than nothing, but they are bulky, they slip, and kids chew them instead of wearing them. A custom-fitted mouthguard is made from your child's actual bite: it stays in place, it lets them breathe and talk, and it protects the teeth, lips, and jaw far better. The best mouthguard is the one your child will keep in their mouth for the whole game.

Which sports need one

Any sport with contact, falls, or flying equipment: soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, skateboarding, biking. I even recommend them for playground-heavy kids. If teeth can meet a hard object at speed, a guard belongs in the kit bag.

When teeth still get hurt

Guards prevent many injuries, but not all. If a tooth gets knocked out, act fast: you have the best chance of saving it within 30 to 60 minutes. Pick it up by the crown, not the root, rinse it gently without scrubbing, keep it moist in milk, and call us immediately at (212) 561-5303. I have laid out the full first-30-minutes plan before, and it is worth reading before you ever need it.

Growing kids need refits

One detail parents forget: children's mouths change. As teeth erupt and jaws grow, a mouthguard that fit perfectly last season may not fit this one. Bring the guard to checkups so we can verify the fit, and plan on a new one as your child grows. A loose guard protects no one.

Getting one is easy

We take a quick impression or scan, the guard is made to your child's bite, and we check the fit at delivery. No drills, no fuss. It is one of the simplest appointments we do, and one of the most valuable if your child plays hard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need a mouthguard for non-contact sports?

If there are falls or flying equipment involved, like soccer, basketball, baseball, or skateboarding, yes. Any sport where teeth can meet a hard object at speed warrants one.

Are custom mouthguards better than store-bought?

Yes. Custom-fitted guards stay in place, allow breathing and talking, and protect better. The best guard is the one your child actually wears.

How often should a child's mouthguard be replaced?

As teeth erupt and jaws grow, fit changes. Bring it to checkups so we can verify, and plan on a new one as your child grows.

What should I do if a tooth gets knocked out during a game?

Act fast: within 30 to 60 minutes gives the best chance. Hold the tooth by the crown, rinse gently, keep it moist in milk, and call us immediately at (212) 561-5303.