Mouthguards for Children Playing Sports in Edinburgh
Dental injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries in children, yet they are also among the most preventable. A blow to the face during rugby, hockey, martial arts, football, or virtually any contact sport can result in chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth — injuries that are painful, expensive to treat, and potentially permanent if adult teeth are involved. The single most effective way to protect your child’s teeth during physical activity is a well-fitting mouthguard, and yet many parents and young athletes remain unaware of just how significant the protection they provide can be.
At our children’s dentistry service at Gorgie Road Dental Practice, we regularly advise parents on the importance of mouthguards for active children and young people. Whether your child plays in a school team, trains at a local club, or simply enjoys recreational sports on weekends, a mouthguard is a straightforward investment in their long-term dental health. Edinburgh has a thriving youth sports community, and we want every young athlete in the area to be properly protected.
Why Sports Dental Injuries Are So Common
Children are naturally active and enthusiastic, and many sports involve physical contact, fast-moving balls, or the risk of falls and collisions. The upper front teeth are particularly vulnerable, as they protrude slightly and are exposed in the event of a direct impact to the mouth or jaw. Even in non-contact sports such as gymnastics or cycling, an accidental fall can cause significant dental trauma.
A knocked-out adult tooth is a dental emergency, and the outcome depends heavily on how quickly the child receives treatment. In some cases, a tooth can be replanted successfully if the child is seen by a dentist within an hour of the injury, but in many instances the damage is permanent. The emotional and financial cost of dental injury can be considerable — not just in terms of initial emergency treatment, but in the long-term restorative work that may be required as the child grows into adulthood.
Types of Mouthguard Available
Not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection. There are three main types available, each with different characteristics in terms of fit, comfort, and effectiveness:
- Stock mouthguards: These are pre-formed, one-size-fits-all mouthguards available from sports shops and pharmacies. They are the cheapest option but offer the least protection. Because they cannot be adjusted to fit the individual mouth, they tend to be bulky, uncomfortable, and can interfere with breathing and speaking. Many children find them so uncomfortable that they remove them during play, defeating their purpose entirely.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards: These are softened in hot water and then bitten into to create a rough impression of the teeth. They offer a better fit than stock guards and are widely available at moderate cost. However, the fit is still not precise, and the level of protection they provide is significantly lower than a custom-made guard.
- Custom-made mouthguards: These are made by a dentist using an impression of your child’s teeth, producing a mouthguard that fits precisely and comfortably. Custom mouthguards offer the highest level of protection, are easier to wear for extended periods, and do not interfere with breathing or communication. According to the Wikipedia article on mouthguards, custom-fitted mouthguards are widely recommended by dental professionals as the most effective form of dental protection during sports.
Which Sports Require a Mouthguard?
Mouthguards are mandatory in some sports and strongly recommended in many others. In Scotland, many youth rugby clubs now require players to wear mouthguards as part of their standard kit, and governing bodies for other contact sports are increasingly emphasising dental protection as part of their safety guidelines. The following table gives an overview of common youth sports and the level of mouthguard recommendation:
| Sport | Contact Level | Mouthguard Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Rugby | High | Strongly recommended / often mandatory |
| Hockey (field and ice) | High | Strongly recommended |
| Martial arts | High | Strongly recommended / often mandatory |
| Football | Moderate | Recommended, particularly for goalkeepers |
| Basketball | Moderate | Recommended |
| Gymnastics | Low (fall risk) | Advisable at competitive level |
| Cycling / skateboarding | Low (fall risk) | Advisable alongside helmet |
| Swimming | Very low | Not typically required |
Special Considerations for Children with Braces
Children who wear fixed orthodontic braces need additional protection during sport, as a blow to the mouth can cause the brackets and wires to cut into the cheeks and lips as well as damaging the teeth themselves. Standard mouthguards may not accommodate braces comfortably, and a dentist or orthodontist should be consulted to find the most appropriate solution. In some cases, a specially designed orthodontic mouthguard can be fitted that works alongside the braces. If your child is undergoing orthodontic treatment and plays sports, this is something worth discussing at their next dental appointment.
How Often Should a Child’s Mouthguard Be Replaced?
Children’s mouths grow and change rapidly, especially during the years when adult teeth are coming through. A mouthguard that fitted well six months ago may no longer provide adequate protection if the teeth have shifted or new teeth have come through. As a general rule, custom mouthguards for children should be reviewed and potentially replaced each year, or sooner if there are noticeable changes in the fit or if the child loses teeth or gains new ones. This makes it sensible to have a new mouthguard made at each annual dental check-up, or at least to have the existing one assessed for fit and condition.
The material of the mouthguard also degrades with use and exposure to heat. If the mouthguard shows signs of wear, thinning, or cracking, or if it no longer feels snug, it should be replaced promptly. A worn-out mouthguard offers significantly reduced protection.
Caring for Your Child’s Mouthguard
Proper maintenance extends the life of a mouthguard and ensures it remains hygienic. Here are some straightforward care tips:
- Rinse the mouthguard with cold water before and after each use.
- Clean it with a soft toothbrush and liquid soap; do not use toothpaste as some varieties are abrasive enough to scratch the surface.
- Store the mouthguard in a firm, ventilated case to allow it to dry between uses and to protect it from damage.
- Keep the mouthguard away from direct sunlight and heat, as these can distort the shape.
- Never leave the mouthguard loose in a sports bag, where it can be sat on, lost, or contaminated.
- Check regularly for cracks, holes, or signs of thinning.
What to Do If Your Child Suffers a Dental Injury Despite Wearing a Mouthguard
Even with a well-fitting mouthguard, dental injuries can occasionally occur, particularly following a very forceful impact. If your child suffers any injury to their teeth or jaw during sport, contact a dentist as soon as possible. If an adult tooth is knocked out completely, keep it moist — ideally in a glass of milk or held gently in the child’s cheek (if they are old enough to do so safely without swallowing it) — and seek emergency dental care immediately. Time is critical when it comes to replanting a knocked-out tooth.
If a tooth is chipped or cracked, or if the child is experiencing pain, swelling, or difficulty biting, these are all signs that prompt dental attention is needed. Even injuries that appear minor on the surface can sometimes involve damage to the root or surrounding structures that only a dentist can properly assess.
Encouraging Your Child to Wear Their Mouthguard
Some children resist wearing mouthguards, particularly if they find them uncomfortable or feel self-conscious. Custom-made mouthguards, because of their precise fit, tend to be far more comfortable and are therefore more likely to actually be worn. Involving your child in choosing a colour or design can also help to make the mouthguard feel like their own rather than something imposed upon them. Many children enjoy having a mouthguard in a team colour or a bold design that feels more like a piece of kit than a medical device.
At Gorgie Road Dental Practice, our team understands that children respond better when dental care feels approachable and even a little bit exciting. We take time to explain the importance of mouthguards to young patients in a way that resonates with them, and we are happy to discuss the options available for your child’s specific sport and situation. If your child plays sport and does not yet have a mouthguard, we would love to help — give us a call on 0131 337 3936 to arrange an appointment with our friendly team.