If you have a child or teen who plays sports, you already know the drill. Cleats, shin guards, helmets, water bottles, and a schedule that keeps your whole family running. But there’s one piece of protective gear that often gets overlooked: the mouthguard.
At Butler Family Dentistry, we see sports-related dental injuries every season. And most of them could have been prevented with a simple, affordable mouthguard. Let’s talk about why mouthguards matter, which sports put kids at risk, and how to choose the right one for your young athlete.
Why Mouthguards Matter More Than You Think
A mouthguard is a cushioned plastic piece that fits over your teeth. It absorbs impact and spreads force across a wider area, protecting your teeth, gums, lips, and jaw.
Without one, a stray elbow, a fall, or a ball to the face can cause serious damage. We’re talking about chipped or knocked-out teeth, cut lips, jaw fractures, and even concussions. According to the American Dental Association, athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are significantly more likely to suffer dental injuries.
A mouthguard costs far less than fixing a broken tooth. A custom mouthguard from our office is a small investment compared to the cost, pain, and time involved in repairing dental trauma.
Which Sports Put Kids at Risk?
You might assume mouthguards are only for football or hockey. But the list is much longer than most parents realize. Sports that carry a high risk of dental injury include:
- Football
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Basketball
- Baseball and softball
- Soccer
- Wrestling
- Gymnastics
- Skateboarding and biking
- Martial arts
Even non-contact sports like gymnastics or cheerleading can lead to falls that damage teeth. When in doubt, it’s better to protect than to regret.
Types of Mouthguards
There are three main types of mouthguards, and they are not created equal.
- Stock mouthguards are the cheapest option. You can find them at any sporting goods store. They come pre-formed and ready to wear. The problem? They don’t fit well. They can slip around, make it hard to breathe or speak, and offer minimal protection. We generally don’t recommend them.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards are a step up. You heat them in water and bite down to shape them to your teeth. They fit better than stock guards and are still affordable. But they can wear out quickly and don’t offer the same level of protection as a custom fit.
- Dr. Butler makes custom mouthguards. We take impressions of your child’s teeth and create a perfectly fitting guard. That means better protection, better comfort, and better breathability. Kids are more likely to actually wear them because they don’t feel bulky or loose.
What to Look for in a Mouthguard
If your child plays sports, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Fit matters most: A loose mouthguard is uncomfortable and less protective. A custom fit solves this.
- Replace it regularly: Kids grow. Their mouths change. A mouthguard that fit last year may not fit this year. Check it each season.
- Keep it clean: Rinse it after every use and store it in a ventilated case. Bacteria love moist, dark places.
- Don’t share: Mouthguards are personal. Sharing one is like sharing a toothbrush.
We Can Help Protect Your Athlete’s Smile
At Butler Family Dentistry, we offer custom mouthguards for kids, teens, and adults. The process is quick and comfortable. We take impressions at one visit, and your custom guard is ready shortly after. If your child is gearing up for a new sports season, now is the perfect time to get one. Don’t wait for an injury. Prevention is always easier, cheaper, and less painful than repair.
We proudly serve families in Strongsville, Brunswick, North Royalton, Berea, and Middleburg Heights. Call our office or request an appointment online. Let’s keep your young athlete’s smile safe while they play the game they love.