- Fall sports season is here in Lodi, and if your child plays football, soccer, basketball, or volleyball, there is one small piece of gear that protects a big investment: their smile. A mouthguard is a soft, custom shield that cushions the teeth, lips, and jaw from a stray elbow, a hard ball, or a fall to the court. It is easy to overlook, but a good mouthguard is one of the simplest ways to keep a young athlete safe. Here is a plain-spoken guide to choosing the right one before the first game.
Why a mouthguard matters for kids and teens
Teeth are strong, but they are not built to take a direct hit. A blow to the mouth can chip or crack a tooth, cut a lip, or in the worst case knock a tooth out completely. Those injuries can be painful, and dental repairs can follow a child for years. A mouthguard spreads out the force of an impact so it is less likely to cause serious damage.
There is another reason to care about timing. Many kids and teens are still growing, and some have braces or are partway through orthodontic treatment. A guard that fits well protects both the teeth and the soft tissue of the cheeks and lips, which matters even more when there is hardware in the mouth. The goal is simple: keep your athlete in the game and out of the dental chair.
The three types of mouthguards
Not all mouthguards are the same. There are three common options, and each has trade-offs.
- Stock guards. These come pre-formed in a package and are ready to wear right away. They are the least expensive and the easiest to grab on the way out the door, but because they are not shaped to your child's mouth, they tend to be bulky, loose, and hard to talk or breathe through. A guard that does not stay put does not protect much.
- Boil-and-bite guards. You soften these in hot water, then have your child bite down so the material molds to their teeth. They fit better than stock guards and are widely available. The catch is that the fit depends on doing it right, and it can loosen or wear down over a season of heavy use.
- Custom-fitted guards from the dentist. These are made from an exact model of your child's teeth, so they fit snugly, stay in place, and are comfortable enough that kids actually keep them in. They also allow for easier breathing and talking, which helps young athletes wear them consistently. You can learn more about the options on our custom mouthguards page.
For a growing athlete who plays a full season, a custom guard is often the most comfortable and reliable choice. Because it fits so well, kids are far more likely to wear it every practice and every game, which is really the whole point.
Which fall sports carry dental-injury risk
Any sport where a ball, a body, or the ground can meet a face carries some risk to the teeth. In the fall, the usual list includes:
- Football - contact is constant, so a mouthguard is standard gear.
- Basketball - elbows fly under the hoop and around rebounds.
- Soccer - heading a ball, collisions, and falls all put teeth in harm's way.
- Volleyball - a hard-driven ball or a dive to the floor can catch the mouth.
Baseball, softball, wrestling, and skateboarding belong on the list too. If your family is weighing what makes sense for a particular sport and age, our guide to mouthguards for athletes by sport breaks it down in more detail. When in doubt, a guard is cheap insurance against an injury that is not.
How a custom guard is made and cared for
Getting a custom mouthguard is quick and comfortable, and it does not involve anything scary for a nervous kid.
How it is made
1. We take a digital scan or a quick impression of your child's teeth. With our iTero 3D scanner, that step is fast and mess-free. 2. The guard is crafted to match the exact shape of their mouth. 3. Your child tries it on so we can confirm it fits securely and feels comfortable.
How to care for it
- Rinse it with cool water and brush it gently after each use.
- Store it in a firm, ventilated case, never loose in a sports bag.
- Keep it away from heat, hot water, and sunny car dashboards, which can warp the material.
- Bring it to regular checkups so we can look it over, and replace it if it gets torn or your child outgrows it.
A guard that is cleaned and stored well lasts longer and stays healthier to wear. As kids grow and their teeth shift, the fit will change over time, so plan to have it checked periodically.
Get your athlete ready before the season
The best time to sort out a mouthguard is before the first practice, not after an injury. Fitting one is a short, easy visit, and it is a smart thing to check off your back-to-school list along with physicals and paperwork. We see families from Lodi and the wider San Joaquin County area, and we are happy to help you pick the right option for your child's sport and age.
Ready to protect your young athlete this fall? Reach out to our Lodi office or call (209) 369-3617 to set up a quick mouthguard fitting before the season gets underway. A few minutes now can save your child a lot of trouble later.
