When your child hits the field, court, or rink, their safety is undoubtedly your top priority. While helmets, pads, and shin guards are standard, one crucial piece of equipment often gets overlooked: the mouth guard. Protecting those precious smiles from potential injuries is non-negotiable, and finding the best kids mouth guard for sports can make all the difference.
Dental injuries in sports are surprisingly common, ranging from chipped teeth to knocked-out ones, and even more severe jaw or concussion-related issues. A well-fitting mouth guard acts as a crucial shock absorber, cushioning impacts and distributing forces to prevent serious harm. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one for your budding superstar?
We’ve done the legwork for you, diving into the market to find some of the top contenders. We’re breaking down five fantastic choices, highlighting what makes each one stand out, so you can make an informed decision and ensure your child stays safe while having a blast. Let’s find that perfect sports mouth guard for your young athlete!
Our Top 5 Picks for Kids Mouth Guards
1. 5 Pack Kids Youth Mouth Guard for Sports
This multi-pack offers fantastic value, ensuring your young athlete always has a clean, ready-to-use mouth guard. It’s a lifesaver for busy parents, providing five different colored guards, each with its own carrying case. Made from soft, environmentally friendly EVA food-grade material, these guards are designed for both comfort and serious shock absorption, making them a smart choice for various contact sports.
Key Features:
– 5 pieces of mouth guards in assorted colors
– Each guard comes with a plastic carrying case
– Made from soft, environmentally friendly EVA food-grade material
– Designed for comfortable fit, protecting teeth, tongue, and jaw
– Easy breathing passages
– Suitable for a wide range of sports (Football, Lacrosse, Soccer, Boxing, MMA, Basketball, Taekwondo, Karate)
– Available in Small (below 7 years) and Medium (7-14 years) sizes
Pros:
– Excellent value with multiple guards and cases
– Safe, non-toxic, and odorless material
– Comfortable and lightweight for kids/teens
– Good shockproof and cushioning properties
– Wide sport applicability
– Two size options for a better fit
Cons:
– Recommended to change every 3 months, which means regular replacement
– General fit might not be as custom as some higher-end options
User Impressions: Parents frequently praise the sheer value and convenience of having multiple guards on hand. Kids find them comfortable enough to wear without much fuss, appreciating the different color choices. The included cases are a big hit for keeping them clean and preventing loss.
See it on Amazon here
2. 3 Pack Kids Youth Mouth Guard for Football & Sports
Designed with the active child in mind, this 3-pack focuses on a comfortable, lightweight experience without compromising on protection. Crafted from durable EVA material, these youth sports mouth guards offer good elasticity and tensile strength, absorbing impacts effectively. They’re built to stay put, allowing for easy breathing and talking, which is essential for kids during intense team sports like football or basketball.
Key Features:
– 3 pieces of kids youth mouth guards
– Comfortable and lightweight design
– Protects gums, lips, teeth, tongue, and jaw
– Made from soft EVA material for a great fit
– Shockproof and cushioning performance
– Allows for easy breathing and talking
– Ideal for high-impact sports like soccer, boxing, MMA, taekwondo, karate, flag football, field hockey, or basketball
Pros:
– Lightweight design ensures minimal discomfort
– Good fit that stays in place
– Effective shock absorption for crucial dental protection
– Promotes easy breathing and communication
– Comes in a convenient 3-pack
Cons:
– Specific age range (10-16) mentioned in features, might not suit younger kids
– Doesn’t specify if it comes with individual cases
User Impressions: Many users highlight how well these guards stay in place without feeling bulky, which is a major win for kids who dislike restrictive gear. Parents appreciate the reliable protection and the peace of mind knowing their child’s smile is safeguarded during sports.
See it on Amazon here
3. Oral Mart Youth Mouth Guard for Kids
Oral Mart steps up the game with a focus on unique designs and superior quality, offering more than 15 colors and patterns, including USA Flag and Vampire Fangs! What truly sets this youth mouth guard apart is its dual-layer construction: an inner gel layer for a customized fit and an outer impact layer for maximum protection. They even send an instructional email to guide parents through the fitting process, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
Key Features:
– Unique designs and 15+ color options
– “Fit You Better” design with a small gap for front teeth
– Superior dual-layer quality: inner Gel Layer for custom fit, outer Impact Layer for resistance
– Made from BPA-Free, Latex-Free, Phthalate-Free, 100% Medical-Grade Materials
– Excellent customer service with fitting instructions and replacement options
– Suitable for a wide array of contact sports (flag football, karate, lacrosse, hockey, football, rugby, martial arts, MMA, boxing, BJJ)
– Direct from Oral Mart with a fit guarantee
Pros:
– Aesthetically appealing designs boost kid’s confidence
– Dual-layer technology offers both comfort and superior impact resistance
– High safety standards (BPA, Latex, Phthalate free, Medical-Grade)
– Exceptional customer support for fitting and replacements
– Good chance for a snug, custom fit
Cons:
– “Small gap for front teeth” design might not be ideal for all dental structures
– Only comes as a single unit (compared to multi-packs)
User Impressions: Customers absolutely rave about the unique designs that get kids excited to wear their guards. The custom fit, thanks to the boil-and-bite process and dual-layer design, gets high marks for comfort and security. The responsive customer service for fitting issues is also a huge plus.
See it on Amazon here
4. SAFEJAWZ Slim Fit Sports Mouthguard
SAFEJAWZ brings advanced technology to the table with their Slim Fit Sports Mouthguard, promising a 3X stronger impact absorption than industry standards. What makes this guard truly stand out is its ReModel Tech, allowing for multiple fitting attempts until you achieve that perfect, bespoke fit. Plus, their unique JawSecure feature helps protect the jaw, and the ultra-slim profile is designed to prevent gagging, ensuring maximum comfort during intense play.
Key Features:
– 3X stronger impact absorption (Intro Series)
– ReModel Tech allows multiple fitting attempts
– JawSecure pre-formed base for jaw protection
– Perfect Fit Promise for comfortable and durable product
– Anti-Gag ultra-slim profile inside the mouth
– FLUID FIT technology for amazing retention and secure fit
– Suitable for all contact sports (football, rugby, boxing, hockey)
– Comes with a case, available in adult and junior sizes
Pros:
– Significantly superior impact protection
– Multiple fitting attempts reduce fitting anxiety and waste
– Dedicated jaw protection feature
– Slim design minimizes gag reflex and discomfort
– Excellent retention for a secure fit
– Included case for hygiene
Cons:
– Explicitly stated: Not suitable for braces (they have a specialized ‘Ortho’ range)
– May require a bit more effort for the initial fitting compared to simpler guards
User Impressions: Many users praise the customizability and the ability to refit multiple times until it’s just right. The slim profile is a big hit, especially with kids who struggle with bulkier guards. Parents feel confident in the robust protection, making it a strong contender for the best kids mouth guard for sports where protection is paramount.
See it on Amazon here
5. Shock Doctor Gel-Fit Mouth Guard for Sports
Shock Doctor is a well-known name in sports protection, and their Gel-Fit Mouth Guard lives up to the reputation. This guard boasts a heavy-duty Exoskeletal Shock Frame for serious dental protection, guarding against the hardest impacts while minimizing teeth grinding. The Gel-Fit Liner Technology is key to its custom comfort, molding precisely to your child’s teeth and gums. Plus, with integrated breathing channels and even flavored options, it’s designed for peak performance and compliance.
Key Features:
– Heavy Duty Exoskeletal Shock Frame for durable dental protection
– Gel-Fit Liner Technology for custom comfort and fit
– Integrated breathing channels for easy breathing and performance
– Available in both flavored and unflavored options
– Suitable for a variety of contact sports (football, hockey, boxing, lacrosse, baseball, MMA)
– Detachable helmet strap for added convenience
Pros:
– Trusted brand in sports protection
– Superior impact protection for cheek, tongue, and teeth
– Highly customizable Gel-Fit liner for snug comfort
– Designed for easy breathing to maintain focus
– Flavored options can encourage wear
– Detachable strap for helmet integration
Cons:
– Flavored options might not appeal to every child
– Can be on the higher end of the price spectrum for a single guard
User Impressions: This guard consistently receives high marks for its custom fit and the robust protection it offers. Athletes, young and old, appreciate the ability to breathe easily, and parents trust the Shock Doctor brand for its proven track record in preventing injuries. The flavored options are often mentioned as a fun bonus that helps kids embrace wearing their guard.
See it on Amazon here
Why is a Kids Mouth Guard So Important for Sports?
It’s easy to think minor bumps and falls are part of playing, but the statistics for dental injuries in sports are sobering. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer harm to their teeth if they’re not wearing a mouth guard. That’s a huge risk!
A properly fitted mouth guard does more than just protect teeth. It also helps:
* Prevent Lacerations: Guards create a barrier between teeth and soft tissues, reducing cuts to lips, cheeks, and tongue.
* Reduce Jaw Injuries: They can cushion the impact that might otherwise cause jaw fractures or dislocations.
* Lessen Concussion Risk: While not a direct concussion preventative, some research suggests they can help by stabilizing the head and neck, absorbing shock, and reducing the force transmitted through the jaw to the brain.
* Boost Confidence: Kids feel more secure and can focus on their game when they know their smile is protected.
Investing in the best kids mouth guard for sports isn’t just about avoiding emergency dental visits; it’s about safeguarding your child’s overall well-being and allowing them to play freely and confidently.
What to Look For When Choosing a Kids Mouth Guard
Picking the right mouth guard can feel a bit overwhelming, but focusing on a few key factors will help you narrow down the options:
- Fit is King: This is the most crucial aspect. A mouth guard needs to fit snugly but comfortably. Loose guards offer poor protection and can hinder breathing or speaking. “Boil-and-bite” options are popular as they allow for some customization at home.
- Material Matters: Look for guards made from medical-grade, BPA-free, latex-free, and phthalate-free materials like EVA. These are safe, durable, and offer good shock absorption.
- Protection Level: Consider the sport. High-impact sports like football or boxing might warrant a dual-layer guard with extra cushioning, while something like basketball might be fine with a slightly less bulky option.
- Comfort and Breathability: If a mouth guard isn’t comfortable, kids won’t wear it. Ensure it allows for easy breathing and speaking, as this directly impacts compliance during games and practices.
- Durability and Hygiene: How long will it last, and how easy is it to clean? A guard that’s easy to maintain will be worn more often.
- Age and Size Appropriateness: Make sure you’re buying a youth-specific guard that matches your child’s age range and mouth size. Many brands offer clear sizing guidelines.
- Braces Compatibility: If your child has braces, you’ll need a mouth guard specifically designed to accommodate them. Standard mouth guards can interfere with orthodontics and even cause damage.
Conclusion
Choosing the best kids mouth guard for sports is a simple yet incredibly important decision for any parent of an active child. From multi-packs offering great value to advanced, custom-fitting options with superior impact absorption, there’s a perfect guard out there for every young athlete and every sport. Prioritizing fit, material quality, and comfort will ensure your child is well-protected, allowing them to focus on the game and enjoy their time on the field.
Don’t wait for an injury to happen. Invest in their safety today and give them the confidence to play their hardest, knowing their smile is protected.
FAQ Section
Q1: How often should a kids mouth guard be replaced?
A1: Generally, a kids mouth guard should be replaced at the start of each new sports season. Because children’s mouths are still growing and changing, their guards might not fit as well after a few months. Additionally, wear and tear from use can reduce its protective capabilities. Some manufacturers recommend replacing every 3-6 months.
Q2: How do I clean my child’s mouth guard?
A2: It’s crucial to clean the mouth guard after every use. Rinse it thoroughly with cold water or a mouthwash. You can also clean it gently with a toothbrush and mild soap or toothpaste. Store it in a ventilated case to prevent bacterial growth. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the material.
Q3: Can a boil-and-bite mouth guard be refitted if it’s not perfect the first time?
A3: Many boil-and-bite mouth guards, especially those with “ReModel Tech” like SAFEJAWZ, can be refitted multiple times. However, check the specific product instructions, as some may only allow for one or two attempts before the material loses its ability to mold effectively.
Q4: Do mouth guards prevent concussions?
A4: While mouth guards primarily protect teeth, jaws, and soft tissues, some studies suggest they may help reduce the severity or incidence of concussions by absorbing some impact and stabilizing the head and neck. However, they are not a guaranteed concussion preventative, and their primary role remains dental protection.
Q5: What’s the difference between a youth mouth guard and an adult mouth guard?
A5: Youth mouth guards are typically smaller to fit a child’s developing mouth. They often feature different designs or colors to appeal to younger athletes. Adult guards are larger and designed for a fully developed jaw. Always choose a guard appropriate for your child’s age and mouth size to ensure proper fit and protection.
Q6: Can my child wear a mouth guard with braces?
A6: If your child has braces, they need a special “orthodontic” mouth guard. These guards are designed to fit over braces without interfering with the wires and brackets. Standard mouth guards can potentially damage braces or shift teeth. Always consult with your orthodontist for specific recommendations.
Q7: What sports typically require mouth guards?
A7: Mouth guards are highly recommended and often required for any contact or high-impact sports. This includes football, hockey, lacrosse, boxing, MMA, rugby, basketball, soccer (especially indoor), martial arts (Taekwondo, Karate, BJJ), field hockey, and even non-contact sports where accidental impacts can occur, like skateboarding or cycling. It’s always best to check with your child’s league or coach for specific requirements.