HAPPY TOOTH CLINIC • PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Sports Mouthguards for Children and Teens in Voula
Customized tooth protection for young athletes, designed by a pediatric dentist to withstand practice, games and growing teeth.
Basketball, karate and soccer expose children’s teeth to blows that can cause a fracture or the loss of a tooth within seconds. At Happy Tooth Clinic, pediatric dentist Dr. Lila Papadopoulou designs sports mouthguards adapted to each child’s age, stage of tooth eruption and sport. Choosing the right mouthguard is not a luxury for competitive athletes; it is a basic precaution for every child who plays sports regularly.
What Is a Sports Mouthguard
A sports mouthguard is an intraoral device that absorbs and distributes the force of a blow, protecting the teeth, gums and soft tissues. The American Dental Association recommends its use in every contact or high-speed sport [E1]. It is not a generic accessory; it is made from an impression of the child’s mouth, with a thickness and shape determined by the child’s age and sport.
The difference from a ready-made mouthguard shows at the moment of impact. A customized mouthguard fits securely, does not shift on impact and does not obstruct breathing or speech on the field. For children undergoing orthodontic treatment, a proper fit becomes even more critical, since braces increase the risk of soft tissue injury.
When Your Child Really Needs a Sports Mouthguard
The need comes from the sport, not only from the level of participation. In a study of 229 young athletes, 25.3% reported an orofacial injury, with rates rising significantly in handball, water polo and martial arts [E2]. Age, the phase of tooth replacement and any orthodontic appliance determine the type of mouthguard that suits each child.
- Participation in basketball, handball, karate, martial arts or another contact sport on a regular or competitive basis
- Having a fixed or removable orthodontic appliance, which increases the risk of soft tissue injury from a blow
Customized Mouthguard or Ready-Made Mouthguard from a Sporting Goods Store
Thermoplastic “boil-and-bite” mouthguards are an affordable basic solution, but their fit remains generic and often loose around the teeth. A 2001 review identifies the customized, multilayer mouthguard as the most protective option, especially in high-impact sports [E5]. The final choice depends on the sport, the frequency of training and whether the child already wears an orthodontic appliance.
A 2019 meta-analysis recorded dental injury in 7.5-7.75% of mouthguard users versus up to 59.48% in non-users [E1]. The benefit is not absolute; no mouthguard completely eliminates the risk, especially in a serious collision. Pediatric dentist Dr. Lila Papadopoulou evaluates each case individually before recommending a customized or alternative solution.
How the Process Works
Making a sports mouthguard at Happy Tooth Clinic follows specific steps, from the clinical examination to the final delivery. Each stage is adapted to the child’s age and to the requirements of the sport they play.
1. Clinical assessment
The pediatric dentist examines the bite, the stage of tooth eruption and any orthodontic appliances. She records the sport, the frequency of training and previous injuries before recommending the type and thickness of the mouthguard.
2. Taking an impression
An accurate impression is taken of the upper jaw, usually of the lower jaw as well in children with braces. The impression determines the unique fit of the mouthguard in the specific child’s mouth.
3. Fitting and check
At delivery, the fit, comfort during speech and breathing are checked. Cleaning instructions follow and a follow-up check is scheduled, since the growth of the jaw affects the lifespan of the mouthguard.
What Parents Need to Know
The child’s experience
Most children get used to a customized mouthguard within a few training sessions, since the precise fit limits the feeling of a foreign body in the mouth. Some children need a little more time to adjust, especially if they combine the mouthguard with fixed braces. Gradual use at home before the first training session usually helps them get used to it faster.
Care and follow-up
The mouthguard is washed with cold water and mild soap after each use and stored in a ventilated case, away from heat that deforms the material. For children going through the phase of tooth replacement, a fit check every three to four months is recommended. In case of a blow to the face while wearing the mouthguard, an evaluation by a dentist is necessary even if there is no visible damage.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can a child wear a sports mouthguard
There is no strict minimum age; the indication is based on participation in a contact sport and on the child’s ability to keep the mouthguard securely in the mouth during practice.
Can a sports mouthguard be worn together with braces
Yes, it is made specifically for this case. The pediatric dentist adapts the shape so that it covers the braces without pressing on the soft tissues during a blow.
When should the mouthguard be replaced
When the fit loosens, wear appears, or the child changes teeth or jaw size. Regular check-ups at the office show whether a new impression is needed.