Fall sports practices are back in full swing, and for young athletes in football, soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse, that means it’s exactly the right time to make sure their smile is protected. A custom-fit mouthguard is one of the simplest, most affordable ways to prevent a sports injury from turning into a costly dental emergency.
Why Young Athletes Need Mouthguards
Kids’ still-developing teeth and jaws are especially vulnerable to impact injuries. A blow to the face during practice or a game can chip or knock out a tooth, cut the lips or tongue, or even contribute to a concussion. A properly fitted mouthguard cushions that impact and spreads the force across the jaw, significantly lowering the risk of both dental and jaw injuries.
Store-Bought vs. Custom-Fit Mouthguards for Kids
- Stock mouthguards: the cheapest option, but one-size-fits-most means they’re often bulky, make it hard to breathe or talk, and get spit out or removed during play, which defeats the purpose.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards: a step up, molded at home in hot water, but the fit is still inconsistent and tends to loosen with wear.
- Custom-fit mouthguards: molded from an impression of your child’s own teeth, these fit securely, stay in place during play, and are far more comfortable for a full season of practices and games.
Which Fall Sports Carry the Highest Risk
Football, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, and wrestling all carry a meaningfully higher risk of dental and facial injury than non-contact sports, and many youth leagues either require or strongly recommend a mouthguard for these sports. Even in sports where it isn’t mandatory, a mouthguard is worth the peace of mind any time there’s a risk of collision, a stray ball or stick, or a fall.
Signs Your Child’s Mouthguard No Longer Fits
Kids’ mouths change quickly, especially while they’re still losing baby teeth and growing new ones in. A mouthguard that fit well last season may not fit well this one.
- It feels loose, slides around, or falls out during normal talking or breathing.
- Your child has lost or gained teeth since it was made.
- It’s visibly worn, cracked, or discolored.
- Your child avoids wearing it because it’s uncomfortable, an uncomfortable mouthguard is a mouthguard that won’t get worn.
Getting Fitted Before the Season Starts
The best time to get a custom mouthguard made is before the season’s first hit, not after an injury already happened. Family Dentistry of Crystal Lake offers custom-fit mouthguards for young athletes as part of our pediatric services, and the fitting process is quick and comfortable for kids of all ages.
Get Your Young Athlete Fitted This Week
With practices already underway, now is the time to get a custom mouthguard fitted before the season’s first game. Call (815) 444-6444 or schedule an appointment online to get your child protected for the season ahead.
There’s no minimum age, any child old enough to participate in an organized contact sport can be fitted for a custom mouthguard, including kids who still have baby teeth or a mix of baby and adult teeth.
Often, yes. Because kids’ mouths change quickly as they lose baby teeth and grow permanent ones, a mouthguard that fit well last season may not fit properly this season. It’s worth checking the fit at the start of every sports season.
Football almost always requires one, and many leagues also require or strongly recommend mouthguards for soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, and wrestling. Check with your child’s league or coach for specific requirements.
Sports mouthguards and nightguards for grinding are designed differently and serve different purposes, so a separate nightguard is usually recommended if your child also grinds or clenches at night. Our team can discuss whether that applies to your child during a fitting.
Cost depends on the type of guard and any insurance coverage that may apply. Our team can walk you through pricing and financing options during your child’s fitting appointment.