Between football season, hockey training and weekend basketball games, a lot of families end up juggling several sports at once, and dental protection can easily slip down the priority list. Yet a single knock during play can mean a chipped, cracked or knocked-out tooth, along with a dental bill and treatment that could have been avoided with the right gear. This guide walks through what mouthguards for contact sports actually do, how to choose between the options available, and how to get the fit right for both kids and adults in the family.
Why Mouthguards Matter More Than Most Families Realise
A mouthguard’s job is simple: it cushions the impact of a knock to the face, spreading the force across the jaw rather than letting it land directly on a tooth. Wearing one of the various mouthguards for contact sports can make a meaningful difference to the chance of a dental injury, particularly in sports like football, hockey, rugby, martial arts and boxing. It’s not only high-contact sports that carry risk either. Basketball, netball and even skateboarding can lead to a fall or collision that catches a tooth off guard.
Why Are Dental Injuries So Common in Contact Sports?
Fast movement, close contact and hard equipment are a fairly predictable recipe for accidents. Most dental injuries during sport happen from:
- A direct blow from another player, an elbow or a head knock
- Contact with equipment, such as a ball, bat or stick
- A fall onto a hard surface during training or play
- Collisions that happen more often at training than in matches, since protective habits can slip when the pressure feels lower
Healthdirect’s guide to dental injury notes that dental trauma is a common outcome of sporting accidents, and that a properly fitted mouthguard is one of the more effective ways to help prevent it.
Custom vs Store-Bought Mouthguard: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to protecting teeth in sport, not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection. Broadly, families are choosing between two options.
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
A custom mouthguard is made from an impression or scan of your own teeth, so it fits precisely and stays in place during play. It tends to be more comfortable to wear for a full training session or game, and it doesn’t interfere with breathing or speaking as much as a bulkier off-the-shelf option.
Store-Bought and Boil-and-Bite Options
Store-bought mouthguards, including the boil-and-bite kind, can offer some protection and may suit occasional or casual play. They don’t fit as precisely though, which can mean less coverage where it’s needed and a guard that’s more likely to be spat out or adjusted mid-game. For anyone playing regularly, a custom option is generally considered the more reliable choice.
Getting the Fit Right for Kids and Adults
Fit matters just as much as the type of mouthguard chosen, and the considerations aren’t quite the same for children and adults.
Mouthguard Fitting for Kids
Children’s mouths change quickly as their permanent teeth come through, so mouthguard fitting for kids usually means checking and often replacing the guard every 12 to 18 months. A guard that fit well last season may no longer sit correctly once new teeth have erupted, so it’s worth having it checked at a regular visit with a children’s dentist rather than assuming it still fits. This is one of the more common reasons families end up shopping for mouthguards for contact sports partway through a season rather than at the start.
Considerations for Adults
Adult mouthguards generally need replacing less often, though they should still be checked periodically for wear, cracks or a looser fit, particularly after any dental treatment that changes the shape of your bite. Bringing it along to a routine visit with your general dentist is an easy way to have it checked alongside your regular exam.
If Your Child Is Currently in Orthodontic Treatment
Braces add an extra layer of consideration. A standard custom mouthguard can be uncomfortable or unsuitable over braces, since teeth are gradually moving throughout treatment. In these cases, a dentist can make a specific type of guard designed to accommodate braces and be adjusted as treatment progresses, which also helps protect the braces themselves from damage during a knock.
Caring for and Replacing Your Mouthguard
A mouthguard only works well if it’s looked after properly. A few simple habits help it last:
- Rinse it with cool water after each use and let it air dry
- Store it in a vented, hard case rather than loose in a sports bag
- Avoid leaving it in direct heat, such as a car dashboard, since this can warp the shape
- Replace it if you notice cracks, thinning or a looser fit than usual
What to Do If a Dental Injury Happens Anyway
Even with good sports dental injury prevention habits, accidents can still happen. If a tooth is chipped, loosened or knocked out during play, treating it as an emergency dental situation and seeking care promptly gives your tooth the strongest chance of a good outcome.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out completely, our guide on how to handle a knocked-out tooth walks through the steps to take before you can get to a dentist. Healthdirect’s overview of mouth and tongue cuts also covers what to expect with softer tissue injuries that can happen alongside a knock to the teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Really Need a Custom Mouthguard, or Is Store-Bought Enough?
A store-bought guard is better than nothing for occasional or casual sport, but a custom-fitted mouthguard generally offers more reliable protection for anyone playing regularly. Suitability depends on your circumstances, so it’s worth discussing your child’s or your own sporting schedule with your dentist.
How Often Should a Child’s Mouthguard Be Replaced?
As a general guide, every 12 to 18 months, since growing jaws and new teeth can quickly change the fit. This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for a personal check at your child’s dentist.
Can My Child Wear a Mouthguard With Braces?
Yes, though a standard mouthguard may not sit comfortably over braces. A dentist can provide a version designed specifically for orthodontic treatment, with suitability depending on your child’s individual stage of treatment.
What Sports Actually Require a Mouthguard?
Football, rugby, hockey, martial arts and boxing are considered higher risk, but basketball, netball and even skateboarding carry a real chance of a dental knock as well. Results and risk vary between individuals and sports, so it’s worth checking with your dentist if you’re unsure.
Do You Provide Mouthguards for Families in Butler and Surrounding Suburbs?
Yes, our team supports local families as a family dentist Butler WA residents can visit for both custom mouthguards and general dental care. This article is general information, so an in-person assessment remains the most reliable way to get the right result for your child or yourself.
Book a Mouthguard Fitting Before the Season Starts
If your family plays contact sport this season, it’s worth having mouthguards checked or fitted before training kicks off rather than after an injury. Our team can talk you through the options and get a custom fit sorted for anyone in the family who needs one. Book an appointment online to get started, or reach out to the practice with any questions beforehand.
This article is general in nature and doesn’t replace personalised advice from your dentist. Individual results and suitability for treatment vary and should be discussed at a consultation.
Dr. Parul Bhatia, a dentist in Butler, established Butler Dental in 2014 to offer high-quality, compassionate dental care to the Northern suburbs community. With a comprehensive background from the UK, Dr. Bhatia specializes in sedation dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and oral surgery. She is committed to creating a nurturing and professional environment, ensuring that all patients feel comfortable and receive excellent, ethical dental treatment tailored to their individual needs. — Dr. Parul Bhatia