Mouth Guards for Children: When and Why They Are Needed
If your child plays sports or has trouble with nighttime teeth grinding, a mouth guard in Hamilton, ON, could be one of the smartest protective steps you can take. At Jackson Square Dental Centre, parents often ask us whether their kids really need a dental mouth guard. The answer? In many cases, yes. Whether it’s a soccer match, a skateboarding session, or just nighttime teeth clenching a mouth guard helps shield your child’s developing smile from damage that could lead to lifelong dental issues.
Let’s walk through when kids need a mouth guard, the types available, and how to tell if it’s time to get one.
Types of Mouth Guards: Stock, Boil-and-Bite, and Custom-Fit
Mouth guards come in three main types, and not all are made the same.
- Stock Guards: These are pre-formed and ready to wear. You’ll find them at sporting goods stores. While they’re affordable, they tend to be bulky and don’t fit snugly. Most kids find them uncomfortable and may even refuse to wear them.
- Boil-and-Bite: Slightly better than stock versions, these guards are softened in hot water and molded around your child’s teeth. They offer a better fit but still lack the precision of a professionally made version.
- Custom-Fit: These are made by your dentist in Hamilton based on your child’s exact dental impressions. The fit is secure, the comfort is unmatched, and they offer the highest level of protection for sports and bruxism (teeth grinding). Kids are much more likely to keep wearing these, which is exactly what you want.
Sports That Require Mouth Guards for Kids
Mouth guards aren’t just for professional athletes. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends them for kids playing:
- Hockey
- Football
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Martial arts
- Wrestling
- BMX or skateboarding
- Rugby
- Lacrosse
Even non-contact sports like baseball or volleyball can result in accidental elbow-to-face injuries. A dental mouth guard acts as a buffer, absorbing the shock and preventing broken teeth, cut lips, or worse.
Kids don’t always think about safety first. They think about fun, competition, and winning. That’s where you come in—ensuring their play doesn’t turn into a painful dental emergency.
How Mouth Guards Protect Against Dental Injuries
Here’s the deal: even a quick fall or unexpected bump can cause major damage to your child’s teeth. That includes:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Jaw injuries
- Cuts to the tongue, cheeks, or lips
- Concussions (mouth guards can reduce the force of impact on the jaw)
A well-fitting guard acts like a helmet for the mouth. It softens the impact, helps distribute the force evenly, and keeps your child’s jaw and teeth safe. Think of it like a seatbelt—they may not use it because they expect an accident, but when one happens, it matters.
Signs Your Child May Need a Mouth Guard at Night
Not all damage happens on the field. Nighttime grinding (also called bruxism) is surprisingly common in kids. You may not notice it right away, but there are some clues.
Watch for these signs:
- Complaints of sore jaws or headaches in the morning
- Flattened or worn-down teeth
- Sudden tooth sensitivity
- Interrupted sleep
- Grinding sounds while sleeping (you’ll hear it from the next room!)
If this sounds familiar, your child might need a night guard to shield their teeth while they sleep.
The Role of Mouth Guards in Stopping Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Bruxism often shows up during growth spurts or periods of stress. Kids may not be able to explain what’s wrong, but you’ll notice the effects over time—damaged enamel, chipped teeth, and even jaw pain.
The mouth guard for grinding teeth refers to a soft or semi-rigid device that cushions the teeth and jaw during sleep. It doesn’t stop the grinding behavior itself (which usually fades with age), but it does prevent damage.
Wearing one consistently can:
- Prevent enamel loss
- Reduce morning discomfort
- Protect developing teeth from fractures
- Help maintain proper bite alignment
It’s one of the gentlest ways to support your child’s oral health. Plus, kids often feel relief after just a few nights.
When to Talk to a Dentist
You don’t need to wait for a broken tooth or a coach’s recommendation to explore protection. If your child plays sports or you’ve noticed symptoms of teeth grinding, schedule a consultation.
A simple exam can reveal a lot. The dentist will evaluate tooth alignment, signs of wear, and whether your child’s bite pattern puts them at risk. From there, they can recommend the right kind of guard, answer your questions, and help you understand what to expect.
Prevention is always easier—and less expensive than treatment.
Final Thoughts
Your child’s smile is still developing, and that makes it more vulnerable to injury. Whether it’s for game day or bedtime, a mouth guard is a simple, proactive way to keep that smile healthy and strong.
At Jackson Square Dental Centre, we help parents make informed decisions to protect their kids’ dental health. If you’re considering a mouth guard, take the first step and talk to your dentist.
A few minutes of prevention today can spare your child years of dental work tomorrow.