A mouthguard is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect a child’s teeth, lips, cheeks, and jaw during sports and other high-impact activities. Choosing the right mouthguard for your child comes down to understanding the three main types available, how they differ in fit and protection, and which one makes sense for the sport your child plays.
The three basic types of mouthguards are stock (pre-made) mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards, and custom-made mouthguards. Of the three, custom-made mouthguards from a pediatric dentist offer the best fit, comfort, and protection, though all three types are far better than playing without one.
Why Mouthguards Matter
Studies cited by the American Dental Association have found that athletes who don’t wear a mouthguard face a significantly higher risk of orofacial injury than those who do. A properly fitted mouthguard cushions blows that could otherwise chip or knock out teeth, cut the lips or tongue, or injure the jaw. For young athletes, whose permanent teeth may still be coming in, that protection matters even more. Learn more about sports dentistry.
Which Sports Require a Mouthguard?
The American Dental Association recommends a mouthguard for any sport or activity with a risk of contact, collision, or falls, including:
Contact and collision sports: basketball, boxing, football, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, rugby, soccer, water polo, and wrestling
Other sports and recreational activities: baseball and softball, bicycling, gymnastics, inline skating and skateboarding, racquetball and squash, skiing and snowboarding, skydiving, surfing, track and field, volleyball, and weightlifting
If your child participates in any of these activities, a mouthguard should be part of their standard gear, right alongside a helmet or pads.
The 3 Types of Mouthguards
1. Stock (Pre-Made) Mouthguards
Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear straight out of the package. They’re the least expensive option and are widely available at sporting goods stores. The tradeoff is fit: because they aren’t molded to your child’s mouth, stock mouthguards tend to feel bulky, can make talking and breathing more difficult, and often don’t stay in place well during play.
2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are softened in hot water and then bitten down on to form a closer fit to your child’s teeth. They offer better protection and comfort than stock mouthguards and are a common choice for recreational sports. Fit still varies from child to child, so it’s worth following the package instructions carefully and checking the fit before every use, especially as your child’s mouth continues to grow and change.
3. Custom-Made Mouthguards
Custom-made mouthguards are created by a dentist using a mold or scan of your child’s teeth. Because they’re built specifically for your child’s mouth, they offer the most secure fit, the clearest speech, and the most reliable protection of the three options. Custom mouthguards typically cost more than stock or boil-and-bite versions, but for a child in competitive or high-contact sports, many parents consider the investment worthwhile.
Custom vs. Boil-and-Bite vs. Stock Mouthguards: Quick Comparison
| Type | Fit | Comfort | Protection Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | Loose, pre-formed | Lower | Basic | Occasional or low-contact activities |
| Boil-and-Bite | Moderate, self-molded | Moderate | Good | Recreational and youth league sports |
| Custom-Made | Precise, dentist-fitted | Highest | Best | Competitive sports, braces, or frequent play |
How to Choose the Right Mouthguard for Your Child
When picking a mouthguard, look for one that is:
- Tear-resistant and durable enough to hold up over a season of play
- Comfortable and well-fitted to your child’s mouth
- Easy to breathe and speak with while wearing it
- Simple to clean and maintain between uses
Mouthguards for Kids With Braces or Retainers
If your child wears braces, a retainer, or other fixed dental appliances, wearing a mouthguard is especially important. A blow to the mouth can damage braces or push wires and brackets into the soft tissue of the cheeks and gums. Because braces change the shape of the mouth over time, a boil-and-bite or custom mouthguard designed to accommodate orthodontic appliances is generally a better fit than a stock version. Your pediatric dentist can recommend the right option and help your child get properly fitted.
Mouthguard Care and Replacement
To keep a mouthguard in good condition:
- Rinse it before and after each use, or clean it with a toothbrush and toothpaste
- Store it in a rigid, ventilated container so it can air dry between uses
- Check it regularly for tears, thinning, or a fit that’s become loose
- Replace it as needed, since children’s mouthguards typically need to be replaced more often than an adult’s as their teeth and jaws continue to grow
Bring your child’s mouthguard along to their regular dental checkups so your pediatric dentist can check the fit and let you know if it’s time for a replacement.