Game Face: Why Your Young Athlete Needs a Custom Mouthguard

Whether your child is charging down the soccer field, diving across the volleyball court, or blocking shots on the basketball court, one thing is certain—sports come with risks. As a parent, you probably think about shin guards, helmets, and the right footwear. But how often do you think about protecting your child’s smile?

At Monte Vista Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that sports are a big part of childhood—but so is oral health. A custom athletic mouthguard isn’t just another piece of equipment; it’s a vital line of defense against injury, trauma, and even concussion. In fact, research and experience tell us that a well-fitted mouthguard could mean the difference between a winning season and a dental emergency.

Let’s explore why a custom mouthguard is one of the smartest investments you can make in your young athlete’s safety.

Dental Injuries: More Common Than You Think

Dental injuries are among the most common sports-related traumas in children. According to pediatric dental associations, kids who play sports without a mouthguard are up to 60 times more likely to suffer oral injuries. This includes broken teeth, fractured roots, lip and cheek injuries, and in severe cases, tooth loss.

And it doesn’t just happen in high-contact sports like football or hockey. Gymnastics, skateboarding, baseball, and even cheerleading all come with their own injury risks—especially when accidental falls or collisions are involved. A split second of impact can lead to years of dental repairs and avoidable pain.

The Concussion Connection

You may think mouthguards are only about protecting teeth, but they also play a role in reducing concussion risk. Emerging research suggests that mouthguards can absorb and disperse some of the force from a blow to the jaw or face—potentially lessening the impact transmitted to the brain.

Youth athletes are particularly vulnerable to head injuries because their brains are still developing. While no mouthguard can completely prevent concussions, a well-designed mouthguard may reduce the severity of impact—especially in sports with frequent body contact, like basketball, soccer, and lacrosse.

Store-Bought vs. Custom: What’s the Difference?

Parents shopping for mouthguards will likely encounter two main options: store-bought mouthguards and custom-fitted mouthguards made by a dentist. While both options are better than nothing, the differences in fit, protection, and long-term value are significant.

Store-Bought Mouthguards

Also known as “boil-and-bite” guards, these are pre-formed trays that the athlete softens in hot water and molds with their bite.

• Pros: Inexpensive and easy to find
• Cons: Bulky, uncomfortable, and often poorly fitted
• Downside: Kids may chew on them, remove them during games, or refuse to wear them altogether

Because these mouthguards aren’t customized to your child’s teeth, they can shift during use and offer incomplete protection, especially during high-impact movement. They may also make it difficult for your child to breathe or speak while wearing them.

Custom Mouthguards

Custom mouthguards are designed specifically for your child’s mouth using a mold or digital scan of their teeth. At Monte Vista Pediatric Dentistry, we create mouthguards that fit like a glove—and offer superior comfort and durability.

• Pros: Tailored fit, maximum protection, easier to breathe and talk
• Cons: Higher initial cost, but longer lasting
• Bonus: Kids are far more likely to wear them consistently because they’re comfortable and non-obstructive

Custom mouthguards also last longer and are less prone to wear and tear from chewing or misalignment. They stay in place, even during intense gameplay, and provide full coverage for the upper teeth and soft tissues of the mouth.

Why Mouthguards Matter at Every Age

Even kids as young as 7 or 8 who are playing in recreational leagues can benefit from a mouthguard. Dental injuries can occur at any age, and early prevention is key to avoiding long-term complications.

• In children under 13, trauma to baby or permanent teeth can affect how teeth develop and erupt
• For pre-teens and teens, a hit to the mouth can lead to orthodontic setbacks, cracked enamel, or the need for root canals and crowns
• For high school athletes, permanent tooth loss can have cosmetic, emotional, and financial consequences that last into adulthood

Protecting your child’s teeth now could spare them pain, emergency appointments, and even the need for prosthetic replacements later in life.

What Sports Require a Mouthguard?

While contact sports like football, boxing, and hockey require mouthguards by rule, they are equally important in:

• Basketball
• Soccer
• Baseball and softball
• Gymnastics
• Wrestling
• Volleyball
• Rollerblading and skateboarding
• Mountain biking and BMX

If your child plays any sport where there is a risk of contact, collision, or falling, a mouthguard should be part of their gear—just like shin guards or cleats.

What to Expect from a Custom Mouthguard Appointment

At Monte Vista Pediatric Dentistry, we make the process simple and kid-friendly:

1. Consultation: We discuss your child’s sport, age, and dental health needs
2. Impression: We take a quick mold or scan of your child’s teeth—no discomfort involved
3. Fitting: Within a few days, your custom guard is ready and fitted for precision comfort
4. Instructions: We’ll show you and your child how to clean and store it properly for long-term use

The result? A high-quality, durable mouthguard that your child will actually want to wear—and you’ll feel confident they’re protected.

A Smart Investment in Their Smile

Custom mouthguards do cost more upfront than the ones you’ll find in sporting goods stores. But the real question is: what is your child’s smile worth to you?

A single dental injury can lead to thousands of dollars in restorative care. In contrast, a custom mouthguard protects against that risk—for a fraction of the cost. And because it’s professionally made and long-lasting, it usually pays for itself several times over.

Keep Your Child Smiling on and off the Field

As parents, we cheer from the sidelines, proud of our child’s hustle and teamwork. But we also carry the responsibility of making sure they’re safe. A custom mouthguard from Monte Vista Pediatric Dentistry is a simple, effective way to protect your young athlete’s teeth, jaw, and brain from preventable injuries.

Let your child focus on the game—and let us protect their smile.

Call Monte Vista Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule a custom mouthguard fitting and set your child up for a safer, more confident season.