Updated in July of 2026
As a parent, you want nothing more than to protect your children—no matter what! As your children grow and become involved in hobbies and activities of their own, it’s important to keep protecting them in whatever ways you can.
A popular pastime for children of all ages is sports, and the odds are that at least one of your children will play at least one sport during their youth. As fun as sports are, they also have a bit of a reputation for being dangerous and leading to all sorts of injuries.
The best way to prevent these injuries is to make sure your child is protected and properly covered before playing a sport—and that includes their smile!
Why Do Kids Need a Mouthguard for Sports?
Kids need a mouthguard because contact and collision sports put their teeth, lips, and jaw at real risk of injury. A mouthguard is a soft, protective cover that fits over the upper teeth to cushion blows to the face and mouth.
Research shows that wearing a mouthguard significantly lowers the risk of dental injury during sports, and one study of college basketball players found the injury rate was five times lower among athletes wearing custom-fitted mouthguards compared to those without one (American Dental Association). That protection matters just as much for a nine-year-old at YMCA basketball as it does for a college athlete.
Which Sports Put Your Child's Teeth at Risk?
Contact sports carry the highest risk, but many non-contact activities do too. The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for a long list of sports, including basketball, football, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, gymnastics, skateboarding, and wrestling (Nationwide Children's Hospital).
If your child plays flag football at a Charlotte rec league, rides a bike at the skate park, or plays club soccer, a mouthguard is worth the investment. You do not need to wait for a contact sport to start protecting your child's smile.
What Is the Difference Between a Store-Bought and a Custom Mouthguard?
A store-bought mouthguard is a one-size-fits-all product, while a custom mouthguard is molded specifically to your child's teeth by our Charlotte dental team. Both types offer some protection, but they are not equally effective.
Boil-and-bite guards from a sporting goods store often fit loosely. A loose mouthguard can slip out of place during a game, right when your child needs it most. It can also make it harder for your child to breathe or talk, which is why so many kids stop wearing them altogether.
A custom mouthguard is built from a mold of your child's actual teeth. Because it fits snugly, it stays in place during play and is more comfortable to wear for an entire practice or game.
How Does a Custom Mouthguard Protect My Child's Teeth?
A custom mouthguard protects your child's teeth by cushioning impact and holding their teeth in a safe, stable position. Here is what it does during play:
- Absorbs impact. It spreads the force of a hit across the mouth instead of concentrating it on one or two teeth.
- Protects soft tissue. It creates a barrier between the teeth and the lips and cheeks, lowering the risk of cuts.
- Fits securely. Because it is molded to your child's mouth, it will not slip or fall out during a game.
- Encourages consistent wear. Kids are far more likely to keep wearing a mouthguard that feels comfortable.
We can also personalize the color or add your child's team logo, which helps younger athletes feel excited about wearing it rather than treating it like a chore.
What Should I Do If My Child Gets a Dental Injury During a Game?
If your child chips, cracks, or knocks out a tooth during a game, stay calm, rinse the area gently with water, and call our office right away. Quick action gives us the best chance to save the tooth or prevent further damage.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out completely, try to find it, hold it by the crown (not the root), and place it in a small container of milk or the child's saliva until you can get to our office. Do not scrub or dry off the tooth.
For a baby tooth, do not try to reinsert it. Contact our office so we can check for any damage to the surrounding teeth or gums.
Get Your Child a Custom Mouthguard in Charlotte
If your child plays sports, a custom mouthguard is one of the easiest ways to protect their smile all season long. Our Charlotte team can take a quick mold and have a custom mouthguard ready before the next big game.
Call Harlow Dental to schedule a mouthguard fitting:
- Harlow Dental at 7th Street: (704) 333-6010
- Harlow Dental at Steele Creek: (704) 588-1515
- Harlow Dental at Eastway: (704) 563-5327
You can also request an appointment online at any of our three Charlotte locations.