A sports mouthguard is one of the simplest ways to protect a young athlete’s teeth from injury. Custom-fitted mouthguards made by a pediatric dentist offer the best fit, comfort, and protection. At Smile Arc Pediatric Dentistry in San Diego, we help active kids and teens stay safe on the field with mouthguards designed for their growing smiles.
San Diego kids love to stay active, from soccer and basketball to skateboarding and surfing, and staying active is wonderful for them. The risk of injury should never keep a child off the field, but a little preparation goes a long way. A well-fitted sports mouthguard is the single best way to protect your child’s teeth, and at Smile Arc Pediatric Dentistry in San Diego, we create custom mouthguards that keep young athletes confident and protected. Here is what every sports parent should know.
Why Young Athletes Need a Mouthguard
Dental injuries are among the most common injuries in youth sports, and many are preventable. A mouthguard cushions blows to the face that could otherwise chip, crack, or knock out teeth, and it helps protect the lips, tongue, and jaw. Because a child’s smile is still developing, protecting it now can prevent injuries that would be costly and complicated to treat later. The protection is well worth the small effort of wearing one.
Types of Mouthguards
Not all mouthguards offer the same protection. There are three main types:
- Stock mouthguards come pre-formed and ready to wear. They are inexpensive but bulky, fit poorly, and offer the least protection.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards are softened in hot water and molded at home. They fit better than stock versions and are a reasonable budget option.
- Custom-fitted mouthguards are made by your pediatric dentist from a precise mold of your child’s teeth. They offer the best fit, comfort, and protection, stay securely in place, and make it easier to breathe and talk during play.
For young athletes who play regularly, a custom mouthguard is well worth it.
Which Sports Need a Mouthguard?
Mouthguards are essential for contact sports like football, hockey, basketball, and martial arts, but they matter for non-contact activities too. Falls and accidental collisions happen in gymnastics, skateboarding, biking, and even baseball. Any activity where a fall or impact is possible is a good reason for a mouthguard. If you are unsure, just ask us about your child’s specific sport.
Mouthguards for Kids with Appliances
If your child wears an orthodontic appliance, a mouthguard is especially important, since a blow to the mouth can injure the lips against the hardware or damage the appliance. We can make a mouthguard designed to comfortably accommodate orthodontic appliances and protect both the teeth and the hardware, coordinating with your child’s orthodontist as needed.
Caring for Your Child’s Mouthguard
A mouthguard works best when it is clean and in good shape. Rinse it with cool water or a mild soap after each use, let it dry fully, and store it in a ventilated case (never in a hot car). Bring it to dental visits so we can check the fit, and replace it if it becomes torn, warped, or too small as your child grows. Children often need a new mouthguard each season.
If Your Child Has a Dental Injury
Even with precautions, accidents happen. If your child chips, cracks, displaces, or knocks out a tooth during sports, contact us right away. A knocked-out permanent tooth is time-sensitive, so call immediately. A knocked-out baby tooth should not be put back in place, since that can harm the developing permanent tooth underneath, but you should still call our office for guidance. For step-by-step first-aid for every type of dental injury, see our dental emergency page, and we can repair chipped or cracked teeth on our cavities, fillings and crowns page.
Cost & Insurance in San Diego
A custom mouthguard is an affordable investment in protecting your child’s smile, and it costs far less than treating a serious dental injury. Prices vary by type, so we provide a clear estimate before treatment. Some PPO dental plans help cover custom mouthguards, especially when recommended for protective or orthodontic reasons. Our team can verify your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket cost. See our financial and insurance page for details.
Protect Your Young Athlete’s Smile in San Diego
Ready to gear up with a custom mouthguard? We make it easy to keep your child protected and confident in their sport. Call (858) 277-8086 or request an appointment online today.
Conveniently located in the 4S Ranch and Rancho Bernardo area, proudly serving San Diego, Del Sur, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Poway, and Rancho Penasquitos.
Reviewed by Dr. Nikki Shafiei, board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child really need a mouthguard for sports?
Yes, for any sport where a fall or collision is possible. Dental injuries are among the most common sports injuries in children, and many are entirely preventable with a well-fitted mouthguard. A mouthguard protects the teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw all at once. Even non-contact sports like gymnastics, biking, and skateboarding carry enough risk of impact to make one worthwhile.
What is the difference between a custom mouthguard and a store-bought one?
Store-bought stock mouthguards are pre-formed, bulky, and offer limited protection because they do not fit well. Boil-and-bite mouthguards offer a modest improvement. Custom-fitted mouthguards, made from a precise mold of your child’s teeth by a dentist, offer the best fit, comfort, and impact protection. They stay in place during play, do not restrict breathing, and allow easy talking, making children far more likely to actually wear them.
Can my child wear a mouthguard with braces or a dental appliance?
Yes. In fact, a mouthguard is especially important for children with dental appliances, since a blow to the mouth can injure the lips or cheeks against the hardware, or damage the appliance itself. We can make a custom mouthguard designed to fit comfortably over your child’s appliance while protecting both the teeth and the hardware.
How do I take care of my child's mouthguard?
Rinse it with cool water or mild soap after each use and let it dry fully before storing it in a ventilated case. Keep it away from heat, including hot cars, which can warp the material. Bring it to dental visits so we can inspect the fit. Children’s mouths grow quickly, so check regularly for signs of wear or poor fit, and plan to replace it each season or sooner if it becomes torn or too small.
What should I do if my child chips a tooth during a game?
Rinse the mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any tooth fragments in milk or water and bring them with you. Call our office right away; quick care can often save the tooth and limit the need for more involved treatment. For a knocked-out permanent tooth, call immediately as every minute counts. For step-by-step guidance for all types of dental injuries, see our dental emergency page.
Does insurance cover a custom sports mouthguard?
Some PPO dental plans provide at least partial coverage for custom mouthguards, especially when they are recommended for protective or orthodontic reasons. Coverage varies by plan, so our team verifies your benefits before the appointment and gives you a clear estimate of any out-of-pocket cost. A custom mouthguard costs far less than treating a serious dental injury, making it one of the best preventive investments for an active child.
