Mouthguards for Kids: Why I Keep It Simple

My son uses a super basic mouthguard that comes in a multipack. We chose it for a very practical reason: children sometimes lose things. Mouthguards are small, they come out during breaks, and they are one more item to remember when everyone is packing up to leave.

I do not want to keep paying for another expensive mouthguard every time one goes missing. Having a few in a set makes replacements easier to plan for. That is the appeal for our family: keep it simple, choose a suitable fit, and have a personal spare ready.

Why I prefer a smaller profile

Some kids on my team bring really cool-looking mouthguards. I understand why they like them. But some are so big in their mouths that it becomes hard to communicate with them.

That matters during practice. I want to hear a player ask a question, tell me which route they are running, or talk with a teammate before the snap. If I am struggling to understand them through a bulky mouthguard, it adds another hurdle while we are trying to learn.

That is why I prefer the smaller, less bulky ones. This is my preference as a parent and coach, not a claim that every small mouthguard protects better. A smaller profile still needs to fit the child properly and provide appropriate coverage. Do not buy an undersized guard just to make it less noticeable.

A multipack makes the lost-one problem easier

Buying a set does not mean we stop teaching our children to look after their gear. It means we recognize that losing something is going to happen sometimes. I would rather have a replacement available than make another purchase every time.

Compare the cost per mouthguard, but only among options that are suitable for your child. A pack of guards that do not fit is not a bargain. Prepare any spare according to the manufacturer’s directions before it is needed, and keep each child’s guards separate.

Fit comes before price or appearance

The American Dental Association’s mouthguard guide explains that bulky, poorly fitting stock guards can make talking and breathing difficult. It also notes that boil-and-bite guards may fit better than stock options, while dentist-made guards are tailored to the wearer.

Follow the manufacturer’s fitting instructions, and ask your child’s dentist about an appropriate option if you are unsure of the fit. For a child with braces, ask their dentist or orthodontist what protection they need. My family’s choice is not a recommendation for every child’s mouth.

Check your league’s mouthguard requirements before buying, too. A product’s football styling does not tell you whether it meets your league’s rules.

Braces made this difficult for my son

When my son had braces, he could not comfortably wear a mouthguard. I had him carry it in his pocket in case the referees asked to see it. That was our experience, and it shows how much comfort can affect whether a child actually wears their gear.

Keeping a mouthguard in a pocket does not protect a child’s teeth or braces, and showing one to a referee is not the same as wearing it when the rules require it. If your child cannot wear theirs comfortably, ask their dentist or orthodontist for a suitable option before they play. The ADA’s guidance for players with braces recommends getting professional help choosing the right protection.

Give the mouthguard a home in the gear bag

A simple routine is worth teaching alongside the football skills: put the mouthguard in its case when it is not being used, put the case in the same pocket, and check that pocket before leaving for practice.

Follow the maker’s cleaning instructions and use a ventilated storage case. Check for damage and changes in fit; children’s mouths grow, so a guard that fitted earlier may need replacing. The ADA guide above covers care and when to replace one.

For my son, a basic multipack keeps this part of getting ready manageable. For the team, I want players equipped to participate and able to communicate. Those are the things I care about when choosing a mouthguard.

This is the first article in Gear notes, our series of practical equipment choices from a parent and coach. Use the short mouthguard checklist when packing, or browse the full gear guide for players and coaches.