Winter and spring bring all kinds of energy to Lakeville, MA. Kids are signing up for sports like basketball, hockey, and indoor soccer. They’re running drills, joining teams, and getting ready for game days. With all this activity, it’s easy to forget just how often kids get bumps and knocks during practices, especially to the face and mouth. That’s why sport guards are something we talk about with parents every season.
Sport mouthguards help protect what matters: your child’s teeth, their smile, and their comfort. Mouth injuries are common in both contact and non-contact sports, and the right guard can make all the difference. Choosing one that fits well and feels good can help your child stay safe without being distracted while they play. This guide can help walk through what to keep in mind when picking out a sport guard that works best.
Choosing a Mouthguard That Fits Right
If a mouthguard doesn’t fit right, your child might not want to wear it. If it’s bulky, too loose, or feels uncomfortable, it often ends up at the bottom of a gym bag. That’s not helpful when it comes time for play.
Fit isn’t just about comfort. It has a big role in how well the guard protects a child’s mouth. A guard that fits snugly helps absorb shock and cushions the teeth and jaw when they take a hit. Ill-fitting guards can shift during movement, which means they may not be there to help when it’s needed most.
Many families start with store-bought guards, but those often don’t mold well to every child’s mouth. They tend to fit too loosely or feel hard around the edges, which can cause kids to fidget with them or chew on them. That can break down the material quickly. When the guard wears out, it no longer protects as it should.
Custom-fit guards from a dental office are made to match exactly how your child’s teeth and gums are shaped. With a comfortable shape and softer material, they tend to stay in place better and are easier to talk with, too. Less distraction means your child is more likely to keep it in during the game. At Southeastern Dental Care in Lakeville, MA, we offer custom sport guards for kids and adults who play contact sports or other high-impact activities, giving local families a more secure and comfortable option than store-bought versions.
Protection Matters: What a Good Sport Guard Should Cover
Not every mouthguard protects the same way. A good one should cover more than just the front teeth. The right design covers all the upper teeth, reaches slightly into the gums, and helps cushion parts of the jaw as well.
Kids hit the ground or get bumped more often than most of us realize. When a guard is in place, it helps lower the chances of teeth getting chipped, knocked out, or pushed back. It can also help prevent cuts to the tongue or inside of the cheeks from sudden impact. Custom sport guards made with durable, high-quality materials can better absorb blows to the jaw, which may help reduce the risk of more serious injuries like concussions.
Some sports are more physical than others, and younger athletes are still learning control. That makes contact to the face more likely. Sports like hockey or wrestling come with direct physical play. Basketball has lots of quick movement and flailing arms. In these cases, using dependable sport guards is especially helpful.
There may not be a way to stop all injuries, but giving your child the best mouth coverage is a step in the right direction. Choosing one that covers well and feels good is worth the effort.
When Your Child Should Wear a Sport Guard
If your child is joining a sport this season, it’s worth asking, do they need a mouthguard? Most contact sports list them as required or suggested. That includes:
• Hockey
• Basketball
• Wrestling
• Football
• Soccer
• Lacrosse
What many people don’t think about is how accidents happen during other sports or gym class. Kids trip, fall, or catch an elbow during games like volleyball or softball. Even practice drills can lead to some real hits to the mouth.
More schools and leagues in Massachusetts have added rules about safety gear in recent years. Some require mouthguards for both practices and games, especially in high-contact sports. Others strongly recommend them, even if not required.
If your child is just starting a sport, now is a good time to get ahead. Asking early helps avoid missed games or scramble-buying gear after a league reminder.
How to Keep a Mouthguard Clean and Ready
Once your child has a guard that fits well and protects their teeth, the next step is caring for it right. With a little regular attention, most sport guards can last an entire season or more.
Here are a few good habits to help keep the guard clean and safe to use:
• Rinse it after each use with cool water (not hot)
• Let it air-dry completely before putting it in a case
• Store it in a clean, vented container that stays out of direct heat
• Avoid leaving it in the sun or next to heating vents in the car
Check the guard every few weeks. If you notice edges getting rough, cracks forming, or a loose fit, it may be time for a replacement. Some kids outgrow their guards faster if their teeth shift or if they’re still losing baby teeth.
It’s helpful to bring mouthguards to regular dental visits for a quick look. We’re able to tell if they still fit right and suggest updates that keep up with your child’s growth.
Peace of Mind for Every Season
Winter practices and early spring games mean fast-moving action, and sometimes faster accidents. Making sure your child wears a mouthguard is an easy step that brings peace of mind all season long. It’s a lot easier to prevent a dental injury than to fix one after it happens.
A good-fitting guard can mean fewer missed school days, less time in the dental chair, and a smoother sports season overall. It’s a simple part of your checklist that matters just as much as sneakers, shin guards, or helmets.
As families prepare for the start of spring sports in Massachusetts, it helps to think beyond jerseys and water bottles. Add mouthguards to your list now so your child stays protected, ready to focus fully on the game.
Protect your child on the field or court this season with gear that fits right. We work with many families in Lakeville, MA to help promote safety and comfort during sports, and one effective solution is our well-made sport guards that help prevent dental injuries. At Southeastern Dental Care, we support local families who want their kids to stay active and protected, so give us a call today to schedule a visit and find the guard that best suits your child’s needs.