Teenagers who play sports are no strangers to scrapes and bruisesbut many overlook one of the most vulnerable parts of their bodies: their teeth. Every year, thousands of teens suffer dental injuries that could have been prevented with a simple, affordable device: the mouthguard.
At McLevin Dental Clinic, we emphasize the importance of protecting your teens smile on and off the field. In this blog, we explain why mouthguards are essential for teen athletes, what types are available, and how to choose the best one for long-term dental protection.
Why Mouthguards Matter for Teens in Sports
Teen athletes engage in activities that often involve physical contact, speed, and unexpected collisions. Whether its hockey, football, basketball, or martial arts, these sports come with a high risk of dental injury.
Common dental injuries in teen athletes include:
Chipped or cracked teeth
Knocked-out teeth
Cut lips, cheeks, or tongue
Jaw injuries
Tooth root damage
Damage to braces or orthodontic appliances
These injuries can be painful, expensive, and have lifelong effects if not treated properly. Wearing a mouthguard dramatically reduces the risk of such trauma.
Sports Where Mouthguards Are Most Important
While all contact sports benefit from the use of a mouthguard, some are particularly high-risk when it comes to dental injury:
Hockey
Football
Basketball
Rugby
Martial arts and boxing
Skateboarding and BMX biking
Wrestling
Lacrosse
Even sports like soccer, volleyball, or gymnastics can involve falls or accidental contact. If theres any chance of impact to the face, a mouthguard should be considered essential.
Types of Mouthguards for Teen Athletes
Not all mouthguards are created equal. There are three primary types to choose from:
1. Stock Mouthguards
These are pre-formed, inexpensive, and ready to wear. However, they often fit poorly and can be bulky or uncomfortable. They offer minimal protection and are not recommended for teens with braces.
2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Available at most drugstores, these are softened in hot water and then shaped to fit the athletes teeth. They offer better comfort and protection than stock guards, making them a popular choice for teens.
3. Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
Made by a dental professional, custom guards provide the highest level of comfort and protection. They are especially beneficial for teens with braces or dental appliances, and theyre ideal for long-term sports involvement.
At McLevin Dental Clinic, we can create custom mouthguards tailored specifically to your teens mouth, ensuring a secure fit and full protection during any sport.
Mouthguards and Braces: A Crucial Combination
For teens with braces or orthodontic appliances, a blow to the face can cause serious damagenot only to teeth but also to soft tissues like the lips and cheeks. Brackets and wires can cut into the mouth during impact, increasing pain and risk of infection.
Custom mouthguards for teens with braces provide an extra layer of safety, keeping the brackets protected and reducing the chance of injury. We highly recommend that every teen with braces who plays sports wears a dentist-approved guard.
How to Care for a Mouthguard
A mouthguard is only effective when its clean, well-maintained, and properly stored. Teach your teen to:
Rinse it with cool water before and after each use
Clean it regularly with a toothbrush and mild soap
Store it in a ventilated container when not in use
Keep it out of extreme heat, which can warp its shape
Bring it to dental appointments for inspection
Regular maintenance helps extend the life of the mouthguard and ensures it stays hygienic and effective.
What Happens Without a Mouthguard?
Skipping a mouthguard may seem minoruntil an injury occurs. The consequences of sports-related dental trauma can include:
Painful emergency visits
Expensive repairs like root canals or crowns
Permanent tooth loss
Disruption to orthodontic treatment
Long-term speech or chewing problems
Investing in a quality mouthguard is far more affordable and less stressful than treating a preventable dental injury.
Building Healthy Habits in Teen Athletes
Wearing a mouthguard should become second naturelike tying shoes or putting on a helmet. Help your teen build this habit by:
Including the mouthguard in their regular gear checklist
Reinforcing the importance of protection with real-world examples
Getting a mouthguard that fits comfortably, so theyll actually wear it
Replacing worn or damaged mouthguards as recommended
When athletes feel confident and protected, they perform better and stay focused on the gamenot dental pain.
Final Thoughts: Play Safe, Smile Bright
Sports offer incredible benefits for teenagersteamwork, discipline, fitness, and confidence. But with these rewards comes the need for smart protection. A well-fitted mouthguard is one of the best ways to prevent painful and costly dental injuries.
At McLevin Dental Clinic, were here to help your teen play safe and smile strong. Whether they need a custom mouthguard or support for braces during sports, our team is ready to provide expert care and practical solutions.
Schedule a visit today to get your teen athlete fitted for a high-quality mouthguard and give their smile the protection it deserves.