When Should Teen Athletes Wear a Dental Mouthguard?

If your teenager plays sports, you’ve probably spent time making sure they have the right helmet, cleats, pads, or other protective gear. One piece of equipment that sometimes gets overlooked, though, is a mouthguard. We understand why. Unless your child has already had a dental injury, it’s easy to assume they don’t really need one.

The reality is that mouthguards protect more than just teeth. They can help reduce the risk of chipped teeth, broken teeth, cuts to the lips and cheeks, and other injuries that can happen in just a split second during a game or practice. If you’re considering dental mouthguards in The Legends, we’d like to help you understand when they’re recommended, who should wear one, and why they’re such an important part of protecting your teen’s smile.

Do Teen Athletes Really Need a Mouthguard?

This is one of the questions parents ask us most often. Sometimes they’ll say, “My child doesn’t play football,” or “It’s just basketball.” Our answer is usually the same. If there’s a chance your teen could take an elbow, ball, stick, or another player to the face, it’s worth thinking about a mouthguard.

We’ve treated enough young athletes over the years to know that dental injuries aren’t limited to high-contact sports. Some of the most unexpected injuries happen during everyday practices, recreational leagues, or pickup games. It’s much easier to protect healthy teeth than it is to repair them after an accident.

Which Sports Should Teens Wear Mouthguards For?

Many people immediately think of football or hockey, but there are quite a few sports in which mouthguards are recommended.

These include:

• Football
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Baseball and softball
• Wrestling
• Lacrosse
• Hockey
• Martial arts
• Volleyball
• Skateboarding
• BMX riding
• Gymnastics in certain situations

Even if a sport doesn’t officially require a mouthguard, we often recommend wearing one whenever there’s a reasonable chance of facial contact or falls. That’s one reason many families ask us about dental mouthguards in The Legends before a new sports season begins.

What Injuries Can a Mouthguard Help Prevent?

No mouthguard can prevent every injury, but wearing one can significantly reduce the severity of many common dental injuries.

A properly fitted mouthguard may help protect against:

• Chipped teeth
• Broken teeth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Cuts inside the mouth
• Lip injuries
• Damage to dental work
• Jaw injuries in some situations

We’ve had parents tell us afterward that they were thankful their child was wearing a mouthguard because what could have been a serious dental emergency ended up being nothing more than a scary moment.

Are Store-Bought Mouthguards Good Enough?

This is another conversation we have pretty regularly. Store-bought mouthguards certainly offer some protection, and they’re often better than wearing nothing at all. The challenge is that many of them don’t fit very well. A mouthguard that’s bulky or uncomfortable often ends up sitting in a gym bag instead of being worn during the game.

Custom dental mouthguards in The Legends are designed to fit your teen’s teeth more precisely. Because they’re more comfortable, many athletes are much more willing to wear them consistently. That’s really the goal. The best mouthguard is the one your teenager will actually use every time they step onto the field or court.

What Makes a Custom Mouthguard Different?

Every athlete’s mouth is different. Some teenagers have braces. Others have teeth that are still shifting as they grow. Some have unique bite patterns that affect how a mouthguard should fit.

When we create a custom mouthguard, we take those individual factors into account. That allows us to provide protection that’s designed specifically for your child’s smile rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all product.

What If My Teen Has Braces?

Parents are often surprised to learn that athletes with braces can and should still wear mouthguards. In fact, they’re often even more important.

A blow to the face can cause the brackets or wires to injure the lips and cheeks. A properly fitted mouthguard helps create a protective barrier between the braces and the soft tissues inside the mouth. If your teenager has braces, we’ll help determine which type of mouthguard is most appropriate as treatment progresses.

Are Dental Mouthguards the Same as Night Guards?

This is an easy point of confusion. Although they may look somewhat similar, they serve very different purposes.

Dental mouthguards in The Legends are designed to protect teeth during sports and physical activities. Dental night guards in The Legends, on the other hand, are typically recommended for patients who grind or clench their teeth while sleeping.

Each appliance is made for a specific purpose, so they shouldn’t be used interchangeably.

If you’re not sure which one your teen needs, we’re always happy to talk through the differences during an appointment.

What If My Teen Has Never Had a Dental Injury?

We hear this all the time. “My child has played sports for years and never hurt their teeth.” We’re always glad to hear that. At the same time, dental injuries are unpredictable. Many happen during routine plays that don’t seem especially dangerous. Just because an injury hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen during the next practice or game.

Wearing a mouthguard is similar to wearing a seat belt. Most days you won’t need it, but you’ll be glad it’s there if something unexpected happens.

Are Mouthguards Only for Contact Sports?

Not necessarily. Even sports with limited physical contact can involve accidental collisions, falls, or equipment striking the face.

We’ve seen dental injuries happen during sports where parents never imagined there would be much risk. If you’re unsure whether your child’s activity calls for a mouthguard, we’d much rather have that conversation before an injury than afterward.

Why Do Regular Dental Visits Matter for Young Athletes?

Sports are just one part of protecting your teen’s smile. Regular dental visits allow us to monitor overall oral health, evaluate changes in the bite, and identify concerns before they become larger problems.

Whether we’re checking for cavities, monitoring orthodontic development, or discussing sports protection, every visit gives us the opportunity to help families make informed decisions.

As a teen dentist in The Legends, we enjoy helping adolescents navigate this stage of growth while keeping their smiles healthy both on and off the playing field.

What About Other Oral Health Concerns?

Parents sometimes ask us about concerns that aren’t related to sports but can still affect their child’s oral development.

For example, some younger patients are evaluated for tongue tie in The Legends or lip tie in The Legends if they’re experiencing challenges with oral function, speech, or feeding. While those conditions are different from sports injuries, they’re another example of why comprehensive dental care is important throughout childhood and adolescence.

Every child has unique needs, and we believe regular evaluations help us identify concerns early whenever possible.

Why Families Trust Our Team

Finding a trusted sports dentist in The Legends isn’t just about treating injuries after they happen. It’s about helping prevent them in the first place.

That’s the approach we’ve always believed in.

We enjoy getting to know the families who visit our practice, learning about the sports their children love, and helping parents make informed decisions about protecting healthy smiles.

Whether your teen needs a custom sports mouthguard, a routine dental examination, or guidance on protecting their teeth during athletic activities, we’re here to answer your questions and provide care that’s personalized to their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should my teen start wearing a sports mouthguard?

As soon as they begin participating in organized or recreational sports where facial contact or falls are possible. Starting early helps build the habit of wearing one consistently.

How often should a mouthguard be replaced?

Teenagers are still growing, so mouthguards may need to be replaced as teeth shift or new teeth erupt. We can evaluate the fit during regular dental visits and let you know when it’s time for a new one.

Can my teen wear the same mouthguard for every sport?

In many cases, yes. As long as it fits properly and provides appropriate protection for the activities they participate in, one custom mouthguard can often be used across multiple sports.

Help Protect Your Teen’s Smile Before the Season Starts

Dental injuries can happen when you least expect them, but taking a simple preventive step today may help your teenager avoid a much more complicated problem later. A properly fitted mouthguard is one of the easiest ways to protect growing smiles while allowing young athletes to play with confidence.

Contact Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

At Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping children and teens enjoy healthy smiles both on and off the field. Whether you’re interested in dental mouthguards, have questions about sports-related dental protection, or want to schedule your teen’s next dental visit, our team is here to help. We’d love the opportunity to care for your family and help keep every smile protected for years to come.

Are you considering choosing Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for your kiddo?

Let’s face it, kids aren’t always thrilled about going to the dentist. That’s why we do everything we can to make it a good experience for both of you. No scary stuff. No rushed appointments. Just kind people, calm vibes, and care that actually makes sense.

When you’re ready, give us a ring at the closest location:

Kansas City: (913) 948-8688

Overland Park: (913) 553-2492

Leawood: (913) 491-5044

Or book online! We’ll help your kid feel comfortable and make your life a little easier.