Sports Safety: Which Kids Sports Need a Mouth Guard the Most?

Sports mouthguards are a simple yet essential piece of protective gear for children involved in sports activity. It is a protective dental device worn over the teeth during physical activities that offer adequate protection against injuries of your child’s teeth, gums, cheeks, and jaw during physical activities, especially those with a risk of injury from falls, collisions, or contact with hard objects.

Considering that prevention is better than cure, let's dive into which kids sports require mouthguards, the types of injuries they prevent, and how to choose the right one for your child's oral health.

Why are mouthguards important in sports?

If you’re wondering, “When should I bring my child to the dentist?” - the answer is simple: regular dental visits are key. Encouraging good oral habits early ensures your child’s smile stays strong and healthy, so they can focus on scoring goals and having fun.

Dental injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries in children. A knocked-out tooth, chipped enamel, or cut lip can be painful, traumatic, and expensive options to treat.

Wearing a sports mouthguard can:

• Prevent broken teeth or knocked-out teeth
• Protect the lips, tongue, and cheeks from lacerations
• Reduce the risk of jaw fractures and concussions
• Save families from emergency dental visits

Which sports require mouthguards?

Here is a list of sports where mouthguards are strongly recommended or required due to high contact levels:

Rugby

• Full-contact sport with frequent tackles
• High risk of dental trauma and jaw injuries
• Mouthguards are typically compulsory at most youth levels

American Football

• One of the most physically intense sports
• Direct contact with other players is expected
• Mouthguards are mandatory in organised games

Lacrosse and Field Hockey

• High-speed stick and ball sports
• Players wear helmets, but facial protection is incomplete without a mouthguard
• Required in many youth leagues

Martial Arts, Boxing, and MMA

• Direct strikes to the face are part of the sport
• Mouthguards are non-negotiable for safety
• Also protect braces if your child wears them

Basketball

• Though not categorised as a contact sport, collisions and elbows are common
• Mouthguards help prevent chipped teeth or bitten lips during fast breaks

Ice Hockey

• Stick and puck contact, plus high-speed skating
• Mouthguards prevent dental and jaw injuries even with a helmet on

Soccer

• Accidental headbutts, elbows, and falls are frequent
• While not always mandatory, mouthguards are a smart choice for safety

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What other kids sports can benefit from mouthguards?

Helping your child build caring habits both on and off the field starts with looking after their oral health. Just like developing motor skills through sports, keeping baby teeth and adult teeth healthy requires regular dental care. A routine dental check helps prevent tooth decay and supports good oral hygiene, especially as children grow and become more active.

Even in sports where mouthguards aren’t officially required, they’re still worth considering. These include:

Skateboarding and Scootering

• Falls are frequent and can lead to chipped teeth or facial trauma
• A mouthguard can reduce injury during tricks or races

BMX and Mountain Biking

• Jumps and rough terrain increase fall risk
• A custom-made sports mouthguard can offer added protection

Gymnastics and Cheerleading

• High-flying flips and balance moves can result in unexpected impacts
• Useful for competitive teams and stunt-based routines

Water polo

• Involves close physical contact, elbowing, and even accidental kicks or collisions.

• Players often come up out of the water quickly, and contact can happen during scrums or when defending the goal.

Volleyball

• Unexpected face contact with the ball or teammate can happen
• Not common, but helpful for kids with braces
  
  

What are the types of sports mouth guards?

When choosing a sports mouth guard for your child, consider comfort, fit, and protection level. There are three main types:

1. Stock mouthguard for sports

• Pre-formed and ready to wear
• Least expensive but offer the poorest fit and protection
• Often uncomfortable and bulky

2. Boil-and-bite mouthguards

• Made from thermoplastic material
• Available at pharmacies and sports stores
• Softened in hot water and molded to the teeth
• Better fit than stock options but may not last long

3. Custom-fitted mouthguards

• Made by a kids’ dentist or orthodontist
• Tailored to your child’s teeth and jaw shape
• Ideal for kids with dental appliances like braces, fixed dental bridges, or sensitive gums
• Offers superior protection, comfort, and breathability

What can happen if my kid doesn't wear a sports mouth guard?

Without wearing a mouthguard during sports, a child can end up having multiple types of mouth injury:

• Chipped, fractured, or lost teeth
• Cut lips and cheeks
• Dislocated jaw
• Need for dental procedures, including root canals or crowns

In some cases, damage from sports injuries may be permanent, especially if there is tooth loss without timely treatment.

How can I encourage my kids to wear sports mouth guards?

Wearing a sports mouth guard might feel strange at first, but here are some ways to help your child get used to it:

• Let them choose the color or design
• Practice wearing it during non-competitive drills
• Explain how it protects their smile
• Keep it clean and odor-free
• Replace it if it wears out or no longer fits

How to take care of sports mouth guards?

• Rinse after each use with cool water (never hot, as it can warp the shape).
• Brush gently with a toothbrush and mild soap, not toothpaste (which can be abrasive).
• Store in a ventilated case to keep it dry and prevent bacterial buildup.
• Keep away from heat (like car dashboards or hot water) to maintain its shape.
• Inspect regularly for signs of wear and replace if it’s cracked, loose, or uncomfortable.

Conclusion

Whether your child is a weekend warrior or plays in a competitive league, a mouth guard is a small investment that can prevent big problems for your child's dental health. From football and rugby to skateboarding and cheerleading, many sports come with dental risks that a mouthguard can help minimise.

For reliable protection and comfort, especially if your child has braces, consider custom-sports mouth guards made by a dental professional.

At Dental Designs clinic, we offer custom-made mouthguards for kids, including options for kids with braces that give your child the confidence to play hard and keep their smile intact. If you would like to contact our clinic and book your an appointment, our team would be happy to guide you through your options.