Mouthguards 101: Protecting Your Child’s Smile During Sports — Kids Dentistry Advice
Why Mouthguards Matter for Active Kids
If your child plays sports — whether it’s hockey, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, or football — their smile could be at risk. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, mouthguards can prevent up to 60% of dental injuries in young athletes.
At Doctor Sugar Kids Dentistry in Paradise Valley, AZ, we see enamel fractures, chipped teeth, and even knocked-out teeth… many of which could have been avoided with a properly fitted mouthguard.
Your child wears shoes to protect their feet.
They should wear a mouthguard to protect their smile.
🦷 What Exactly Is a Mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a protective device worn over the teeth to:
Absorb impacts
Reduce the force of blows to the face or mouth
Prevent dental emergencies (like broken or knocked-out teeth)
Protect lips, cheeks, and tongue from cuts
Think of it as a helmet for teeth — small, comfortable, and powerful.
🧊 Sports Where Kids Should Always Wear a Mouthguard
According to pediatric dental guidelines, kids should use mouthguards during:
Contact SportsNon-Contact (but risky) SportsHockeyGymnasticsFootball (tackle & flag)SkateboardingBasketballMountain bikingSoccerCheerleadingMartial Arts / BoxingBaseball & softball (infielders)
If there’s a ball, stick, hard surface, or flying elbow involved, a mouthguard is a smart choice.
😬 Store-Bought vs. Custom Mouthguards
Which one should your child use?
Type of MouthguardProsConsBoil-and-bite (store-bought)Affordable, easy to findBulky, poor fit, may affect breathing or speechCustom mouthguard (kids dentist recommended)Made from a mold of your child’s mouth, best comfort and protectionHigher costStock (pre-formed)CheapestLeast comfortable, lowest protection
👉 Kids who play regularly or competitively benefit most from a custom mouthguard.
Custom means better fit = better protection.
At Doctor Sugar Kids Dentistry, we can take a quick digital scan (no gooey impressions!) and create a mouthguard that fits your child perfectly.
✅ Signs Your Child Needs a Mouthguard Upgrade
Replace the mouthguard if:
It feels loose after a growth spurt
Your child complains of discomfort
The guard is chewed through (some kids love biting them!)
It becomes thin or torn
For fast-growing kids, replacement once a year is typical.
🚑 What to Do If Your Child Gets a Dental Injury
Stay calm — kids take on your emotional cues.
If a tooth is chipped, keep the fragment and call your dentist.
If a tooth is knocked out (adult tooth):
Pick it up by the crown (not the root).
Rinse gently.
Place it in milk or the child’s saliva.
Call your pediatric dentist immediately.
Time matters — within 30 minutes is best.
🦷 Kids Dentistry in Paradise Valley, AZ — We Protect Smiles
At Doctor Sugar Kids Dentistry in Paradise Valley, AZ, we believe that sports build confidence…
but a mouthguard protects that confident smile.
✅ Pediatric specialists
✅ Fun, kid-friendly environment
✅ Custom athletic mouthguards available
👉 Schedule a custom sports mouthguard fitting today.
Your child’s teeth are worth protecting — both on and off the field.
