If you’re a parent in Flagstaff, you probably already think about helmets, pads, and proper footwear when your child plays sports or stays active outdoors. One piece of protection that often gets overlooked is a mouthguard. Choosing the right option can make a real difference in preventing dental injuries, protecting developing teeth, and even supporting orthodontic treatment. Understanding the types of mouthguards available helps parents make confident, informed decisions for their children’s long-term oral health.
Kids’ mouths are constantly changing as they grow, lose baby teeth, and develop permanent ones. That means a mouthguard that works well for one child may not be the right fit for another. The goal of this guide is to explain how mouthguards work, what options are available, and how Flagstaff families can choose a solution that matches their child’s needs, activities, and stage of development.
Why Mouthguards Matter for Kids
Mouthguards are protective devices designed to cushion the teeth, gums, lips, and jaw during impact or pressure. For children, they serve several important purposes.
During sports or recreational activities, mouthguards help absorb force from falls, collisions, or accidental contact. This reduces the risk of chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, jaw injuries, and cuts to the lips or tongue. Dental injuries can be painful, expensive to treat, and stressful for kids, so prevention is always the preferred approach.
Mouthguards can also help children who grind or clench their teeth, especially at night. While occasional grinding is common during growth, persistent habits can wear down enamel or strain the jaw. A properly fitted mouthguard provides a protective barrier that minimizes damage.
For kids in orthodontic treatment, mouthguards offer an added layer of safety. Braces and other appliances increase the risk of soft tissue injuries during impact. Wearing a mouthguard helps protect both the teeth and the orthodontic hardware.
Common Types of Mouthguards for Kids
When parents start shopping, they quickly realize there are several mouthguard types available. Each option varies in comfort, protection, and suitability for children.
Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear straight out of the package. They are typically the least expensive and easiest to find at sporting goods stores. However, they come in standard sizes, which means they rarely fit a child’s mouth well. Because of the loose fit, kids may find them bulky or uncomfortable, and they often provide the lowest level of protection.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are made from a thermoplastic material that softens in hot water. Once softened, the child bites down to create a more customized shape. These mouthguards generally fit better than stock options and offer improved comfort and protection. Still, the fit depends on how well the molding process is done, and younger children may have difficulty achieving an ideal result on their own.
Custom dental mouthguards are created by a dental or orthodontic professional using impressions or digital scans of a child’s teeth. These are designed specifically for the individual mouth, which results in superior comfort, durability, and protection. Among the different kinds of mouthguards, custom options are often the most reliable, especially for children who play contact sports, wear braces, or need long-term use.
Which Types of Mouthguards Are Best for Different Kids
Every child is different, and the best choice depends on several factors. Age is one of the biggest considerations. Younger children with mixed dentition may need mouthguards that can accommodate changing teeth, while teens with permanent teeth benefit from more precise fits.
Activity level also plays a major role. A child who occasionally plays non-contact sports may do well with a boil-and-bite option, while a child involved in football, hockey, basketball, or martial arts may need the higher level of protection that custom mouthguards provide. Parents often ask which types of mouthguards are best for growing athletes, and the answer usually depends on how often and how intensely the child participates.
Oral habits matter too. Children who grind their teeth or clench their jaws at night may require a different design than those using mouthguards solely for sports. Comfort is essential, since an uncomfortable guard is less likely to be worn consistently.
Mouthguards for Kids with Braces
Children with braces require special attention when it comes to mouthguards. Orthodontic appliances create additional surfaces that can cause irritation or injury if impacted. Standard mouthguards may not fit properly over brackets and wires, leading to discomfort or reduced protection.
Mouthguards designed for orthodontic patients allow room for braces while still offering cushioning. Professional guidance is especially important here, as a poorly fitted guard can interfere with treatment progress or fail to protect the mouth adequately. As teeth shift during orthodontic care, the fit of the mouthguard may need to be adjusted or replaced to ensure ongoing protection.
Choosing a Mouthguard for Active Kids in Flagstaff
Flagstaff’s active lifestyle means many kids spend time playing sports and enjoying the outdoors year-round. Soccer, football, basketball, baseball, skateboarding, skiing, and mountain biking are all popular among local families. Higher elevation and seasonal weather changes also encourage indoor and outdoor sports throughout the year.
With so many opportunities for physical activity, injury prevention becomes even more important. Mouthguards are a simple but effective way to reduce the risk of dental trauma, especially during competitive play or high-impact activities. Making mouthguards part of standard sports gear helps normalize their use and keeps kids safer while they stay active.
Professional Guidance from Orthodontics Inc.
Families who want personalized advice can turn to Orthodontics Inc. for guidance on mouthguard selection and fit. The team, including Dr. Joseph Wilson, Dr. Anandaraja Shankar, Dr. Howard Choi, and Dr. Ronald E. Unterseher, focuses on helping families make informed decisions that support both safety and comfort.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, professional evaluations consider each child’s age, activity level, and orthodontic needs. This ensures the mouthguard supports healthy development while fitting naturally into the child’s routine.
Areas We Serve
In addition to caring for families in Flagstaff, Orthodontics Inc. welcomes patients from surrounding communities and neighboring states. Many families travel from Yuma, Arizona; St. George, Utah; Cortez, Colorado; Gallup and Farmington, New Mexico; and Washington, Utah to receive orthodontic care and guidance. This regional approach allows more families access to consistent, trusted support for their children’s oral health needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do kids really need mouthguards for sports?
Yes. Mouthguards significantly reduce the risk of dental injuries during sports and recreational activities, especially those involving contact or falls.
Can kids wear mouthguards with braces?
They can, but the mouthguard must be designed to fit over orthodontic appliances. Professional guidance helps ensure proper protection and comfort.
How often should a child’s mouthguard be replaced?
Mouthguards should be replaced as a child grows, if teeth shift, or if the guard shows signs of wear or damage.
Are custom mouthguards worth it for kids?
For many children, especially active ones or those with braces, custom options offer better fit, comfort, and protection.
How should mouthguards be cleaned and stored?
Mouthguards should be rinsed after each use, cleaned regularly with mild soap or a recommended cleaner, and stored in a ventilated case.
Schedule a Mouthguard Evaluation for Your Child
Protecting your child’s smile is part of supporting their confidence, comfort, and long-term health. If you have questions about mouthguard options or want help choosing the right fit for your child, consider scheduling a consultation with Orthodontics Inc. A professional evaluation can help ensure your child stays protected while enjoying everything Flagstaff has to offer.
