Football, field hockey, soccer, and volleyball are back in full swing — and so is the season’s spike in preventable dental injuries. A properly fitted mouthguard is one of the simplest ways to protect your child’s smile this fall.
Custom-Fitted vs. Boil-and-Bite: What’s the Real Difference?
Boil-and-bite mouthguards, sold at most sporting goods stores, are softened in hot water and molded by biting down. They’re inexpensive and widely available, but the fit is inconsistent — too loose to stay in place during play, or too tight to allow normal breathing and talking. Kids frequently pull them out or chew through them within a season.
Custom-fitted mouthguards, made from a dental impression of your child’s teeth, offer a precise fit, better shock absorption, and superior protection because they distribute impact force more evenly across the jaw. They also allow for normal speech and breathing, which matters for young athletes who need to communicate on the field. The tradeoff is cost — custom guards run higher upfront, though many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage.
For contact sports specifically, or for kids in orthodontic treatment, a custom fit is worth the investment. For lower-contact activities, a well-fitted boil-and-bite can be an acceptable starting point.
Caring for and Replacing a Mouthguard
- Rinse with cool water (not hot, which can warp the material) after every use
- Store in a ventilated, hard case — never in a pocket or gym bag loose
- Brush the mouthguard gently with a soft toothbrush weekly
- Replace it if you notice tears, thinning, or a looser fit — growing kids often need a new guard each season
- Never share a mouthguard between siblings or teammates
If Your Child Refuses to Wear One
This is one of the most common frustrations we hear from parents. A few strategies that help:
- Let them pick the color or design — many guards come in team colors or patterns
- Explain the “why” in concrete terms: a knocked-out tooth means missed practice time, not just discomfort
- Make it non-negotiable with coaches — many leagues already require guards
- If comfort is the issue, a custom fit almost always resolves complaints about bulkiness or gagging
A mouthguard only works if it’s actually worn. If your child has been resistant to their current guard, bring it up at their next visit — sometimes a quick refit or a switch to a custom option solves the problem entirely.
