Shopping for sports mouthguards for teens? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) emphasizes a properly fitted guard for activities that put teeth at risk.
🦷 Why fit matters
Mouthguards cushion impacts and help protect teeth and nearby soft tissues. Comfort, staying in place, breathing, and speaking all matter when choosing one.
A mouthguard reduces risk, but dental injuries can still happen while wearing one.
🏅 Compare the main mouthguard types
- Custom-made: Produced from a model of the mouth. AAPD describes better protection, retention, and comfort with this type.
- Boil-and-bite: Shaped to the mouth after warming. Fit and protection vary; when a custom guard is unavailable, this is generally preferable to a stock guard.
- Stock: Ready-made guards usually require clenching to stay in place, which can interfere with breathing and speech. Some dental situations may still call for this option.
💡 Braces and changing teeth need planning
Tooth movement during orthodontic treatment can change a guard’s fit. Ask your teen’s dentist which design accommodates their teeth and braces.
☎️ Plan for your teen’s sport
Contact Little Kids Dentistry to discuss your teen’s dental needs. Browse more Teens articles in Smile Academy.
📚 AAPD source
Based on AAPD’s Policy on Prevention of Sports-Related Orofacial Injuries, revised 2023. This educational summary does not imply AAPD endorsement.