Do teens need a sports mouthguard, and is custom worth it?

The practice schedule is set, and the gear list says mouthguard. Now you are deciding between a store-bought guard and a custom one from a dental provider. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a properly fitted mouthguard for sports with a risk of mouth injury. A well-fitted boil-and-bite guard and a custom guard can both work, and a guard only protects when your teen wears it.¹ If comfort or slipping has been a problem, custom may be worth considering. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• Which activities call for a mouthguard, even without a league requirement 

• How stock, boil-and-bite and custom mouthguards compare 

• When custom fit may justify the additional cost 

• How braces, growth and wear affect mouthguard selection and replacement 

Schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider to discuss mouthguard fit and options for your teen. 

Which teen sports call for a mouthguard? 

Contact sports such as football, basketball, soccer and hockey can put teeth at risk. So can activities involving falls or speed, including gymnastics, skating and bicycling. A properly fitted mouthguard helps reduce the risk and severity of dental injuries in activities where an impact to the mouth is possible.¹

Check your teen's current team or league rules, including any requirements about the guard's design. Those rules tell you what is mandatory for participation. They do not cover every situation in which dental protection may be helpful. 

Ask about activities outside the school season too. Pickup games, recreational skating and weekend sports belong in the conversation, alongside school sports.

Custom vs. store-bought mouthguards: What is the difference? 

There are three main types: 

• Stock mouthguards come ready to wear in preset sizes. They are generally the least expensive, but a limited fit can make them bulky or hard to keep in place.¹^,²

• Boil-and-bite mouthguards soften in hot water and are molded to the teeth. Follow the manufacturer’s heating, cooling and fitting instructions. They may follow the shape of the teeth more closely than stock guards, but only if molded properly.¹^,²

• Custom mouthguards are made for an individual through a dental provider, using a model of the teeth. They offer personalized fit and comfort but cost more than store-bought options.¹^,²

Whichever type you consider, have your teen describe how it feels. Does it slip, rub or make breathing and talking difficult? Bring those concerns to the dental provider rather than assuming your teen simply needs to tolerate an uncomfortable guard. 

Is a custom sports mouthguard worth the cost? 

Custom may be worth exploring if your teen has trouble finding a store-bought guard that stays comfortable and secure. One study found that guards made by dentists were more comfortable and easier to wear than other options.¹ A provider can assess the fit and discuss adjustments to suit the individual mouth. 

That does not mean every athlete needs the most expensive option. Dentists may suggest either a custom guard or a well-fitted boil-and-bite guard, including over-the-counter versions that carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance.¹ The ADA’s MouthHealthy site describes a custom-made guard as the best option, while noting that a boil-and-bite or stock guard is still worth wearing when cost is a concern.² Mouthguards reduce dental-injury risk, but they do not eliminate it. Evidence about concussion prevention is less consistent, so a mouthguard should not be treated as a guarantee against concussion.¹ 

Before ordering custom, ask about the total price, fitting visits and replacement policy. If your family has dental insurance, check whether your specific plan contributes toward a sports mouthguard. Ask what a replacement would cost if your teen outgrows it or loses it during the season. 

What mouthguard should a teen with braces use? 

Talk with your teen's dental provider or orthodontist before choosing or molding a guard over braces. A well-fitted guard creates a cushion between the brackets and the soft tissue of the lips and cheeks. Depending on where the braces are, the provider may recommend protection for the lower teeth as well as the upper teeth.² 

Ask which design works with the current orthodontic treatment and when the fit should be checked again. If a previously comfortable guard starts feeling tight or stops sitting properly, contact the provider about the next step. 

Tell your teen’s provider about any retainer or other removable appliance. The ADA’s MouthHealthy site says not to wear a retainer or other removable appliance during any contact sports.² Ask how that fits into your teen’s appliance-wear instructions rather than improvising a combination. 

How should teens care for and replace a mouthguard? 

The ADA’s MouthHealthy site suggests making these habits part of your teen’s routine after use:² 

• Rinse the guard before and after each use. Wash it regularly with cool, soapy water, then rinse it well. 

• Store it in a sturdy case with vents so it can dry between uses. 

• Never leave it sitting in direct sun or hot water. 

• Check for damage, wear or a change in fit, and replace the guard right away if it is worn, damaged or no longer fits well. 

Growing teens may need replacements more often as their mouths change. Bring the guard to dental checkups so the provider can assess it.²

If you have questions about your teen’s mouthguard, schedule an examination with your local dental provider and ask them to review the fit before the season starts, including any upcoming orthodontic changes. 

Do teens need a sports mouthguard, and is custom worth it? FAQs 

Can a night guard be used for sports? 

No, use a guard designed for the activity. A night guard addresses grinding or clenching during sleep, while a sports mouthguard is designed for impacts.¹^,³ If your teen already wears a night guard, ask about separate sports protection. To see how the two differ, read more about mouthguards for sleep and teeth protection. 

Does a teen need a mouthguard during practice too? 

Yes, during practices with a significant risk of injury to the mouth. The ADA endorses mouthguard use at all levels of competition, including practices.¹ The exact activity matters; a scrimmage and a team meeting do not present the same risks. Ask the coach how mouthguard use is handled during drills. 

What should a teen bring to a mouthguard appointment? 

Bring any current mouthguard and information about the sports your teen plays, practice frequency and league requirements. Mention braces and other dental appliances, and ask the office whether to bring removable ones. Share what your teen has noticed about the fit so the provider knows where to start. 

Sources 

¹ American Dental Association, ADA Library and Archives: “Athletic mouth protectors (mouthguards).” https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/athletic-mouth-protectors-mouthguards 

² American Dental Association, MouthHealthy: “Mouthguards.” https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/mouthguards 

³ American Association of Orthodontists: “What Does a Mouthguard Do?” https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/why-mouth-guards-are-essential/