When your child hits the field, court, or mat, their safety is probably your number one priority. And while helmets and shin guards get a lot of attention, protecting their pearly whites is just as crucial. A knocked-out tooth or a nasty cut can be painful, expensive, and emotionally taxing. That’s why finding the best mouth guard for kids sports isn’t just a good idea – it’s essential for preventing oral injuries and giving you peace of mind.
From soccer and basketball to martial arts and football, a quality mouthguard provides a crucial barrier against impacts, helping to cushion blows and keep teeth, gums, and jaws safe. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? Don’t worry, we’ve done the legwork for you! We’ve rounded up seven top-rated youth sports mouthguards, breaking down their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision for your young athlete. Let’s dive in and find the perfect fit!
1. 5 Pack Kids Youth Mouth Guard for Sports
This multi-pack offers incredible value and convenience for busy parents and active kids. With five different colored mouthguards and individual carrying cases, you’ll always have a clean, ready-to-use option, whether one gets misplaced or needs a wash. Made from soft, food-grade EVA material, these guards prioritize comfort and shock absorption, ensuring your child’s teeth, tongue, and jaw are well-protected without hindering breathing. It’s a fantastic starter pack for kids trying out different sports or for families with multiple young athletes.
Key Features:
- 5 pieces in different colors with individual plastic carrying cases.
- Made from soft, environmentally friendly EVA food-grade material.
- Good shockproof and cushioning properties.
- Designed for comfortable fit, easy breathing, and jaw protection.
- Suitable for various sports like football, lacrosse, boxing, MMA, basketball, taekwondo, karate.
- Available in Small (below 7 years) and Medium (7-14 years) sizes.
Pros:
- Excellent value with multiple mouthguards and cases.
- Safe, non-toxic, and comfortable material.
- Helps prevent loss and keeps guards clean with individual cases.
- Designed to allow easier breathing.
- Versatile for a wide range of contact sports.
Cons:
- Requires regular replacement (recommended every 3 months).
- Might not offer the highly customized fit of a boil-and-bite option.
User Impressions: Parents appreciate the sheer quantity and the convenience of having spares. Kids generally find them comfortable and light, making them less likely to take them out during play. The individual cases are a definite hit for organization.
2. 3 Pack Kids Youth Mouth Guard Football Sports Braces
Designed specifically with comfort and functionality in mind, this 3-pack is a solid choice for young athletes, especially those in high-impact team sports. The lightweight EVA material ensures a soft, snug fit that won’t cause discomfort, while still providing robust protection for teeth, gums, and jaw. It’s a straightforward, effective solution that allows kids to breathe and speak easily, which is a major plus during intense games. If your child is constantly on the go, having multiple guards ensures they’re always prepared.
Key Features:
- 3-pack of comfortable and lightweight mouthguards.
- Made from soft EVA material with good elasticity and tensile strength.
- Provides shockproof and cushioning performance.
- Allows for easy breathing and talking.
- Ideal for ages 10-16 in sports like football, soccer, boxing, MMA, basketball.
Pros:
- Very comfortable and lightweight for extended wear.
- Soft material adapts well to the mouth.
- Excellent shock absorption for high-impact sports.
- Allows easy communication and breathing.
- Good value with three guards included.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for children with braces (despite the title, the description focuses on standard fit).
- Specific size range (10-16 years) might not cover all youth ages.
User Impressions: Users often highlight how comfortable these mouthguards are, noting that kids are more willing to wear them throughout practice and games. The material is praised for being soft yet protective, and the multiple pack is seen as a great convenience.
3. Shock Doctor Mouth Guard for Braces, Upper Teeth
For young athletes with braces, finding a mouthguard that fits comfortably and offers proper protection can be a real challenge. Enter the Shock Doctor Braces Mouth Guard, a true game-changer. This guard is specifically engineered to fit over orthodontic brackets without needing to be molded. Made from 100% medical-grade silicone, it’s gentle on sensitive mouths and provides instant, reliable protection, allowing kids to focus on their sport, not their dental discomfort.
Key Features:
- Ergonomically designed for an immediate and secure fit over orthodontic brackets.
- No molding required; instant fit straight out of the package.
- Provides upper teeth protection for sports like hockey, wrestling, lacrosse, football.
- Made from 100% medical-grade silicone.
- Latex-free, BPA-free, and phthalate-free.
Pros:
- Specifically designed for kids with braces, offering superior comfort.
- Instant fit saves time and hassle.
- High-quality, safe materials (medical-grade silicone, latex/BPA/phthalate-free).
- Trusted brand in sports protection.
- Durable for active play.
Cons:
- May feel bulkier than standard mouthguards due to braces accommodation.
- Only protects the upper teeth, not designed for full jaw protection.
User Impressions: Parents of kids with braces rave about the instant fit and comfort, often calling it a “lifesaver.” The fact that it doesn’t require molding is a huge bonus, and the quality of the Shock Doctor brand instills confidence.
4. Shock Doctor Mouth Guard Sports, Hockey, Lacrosse
When it comes to serious protection, Shock Doctor is a name many athletes trust, and this model lives up to the reputation. Featuring a heavy-duty Exoskeletal Shock Frame, this mouthguard is built to withstand the hardest impacts, making it an excellent best mouth guard for kids sports where contact is unavoidable. The Gel-Fit Liner Technology allows for a custom boil-and-bite fit, ensuring maximum comfort and security. Plus, integrated breathing channels mean your child can stay focused on the game without feeling breathless.
Key Features:
- Heavy Duty Exoskeletal Shock Frame for durable dental protection.
- Gel-Fit Liner Technology for a custom, comfortable boil-and-bite fit.
- Integrated breathing channels for easy breathing during action.
- Protects cheeks, tongue, minimizes teeth grinding, and secures teeth.
- Available in flavored and unflavored options with various colors.
- Suitable for all contact sports, including football (with detachable helmet strap), hockey, boxing, MMA.
Pros:
- Superior impact protection with a heavy-duty frame.
- Custom fit through boil-and-bite Gel-Fit liner.
- Excellent breathability for sustained performance.
- Wide range of color and flavor options to appeal to kids.
- Versatile for nearly any contact sport.
Cons:
- Requires proper molding for the best fit (can be tricky if not done correctly).
- Might be considered slightly bulkier than minimalist designs.
User Impressions: Athletes and parents consistently praise the custom fit and superior protection. The enhanced breathing channels are frequently mentioned as a key benefit, allowing kids to perform at their best. The durability is also a major selling point.
5. Venum Challenger Mouthguard – for Kids – Black/Red
Venum, a brand synonymous with combat sports, brings its expertise to youth protection with the Challenger Mouthguard. This sleek black and red model offers high-performance protection tailored for young athletes in boxing, MMA, and other contact sports, but is also suitable for team sports like football and rugby. Its durable, shock-absorbing EVA material effectively disperses impact forces, while the easy boil-and-bite fitting ensures a secure, personalized fit. Plus, improved airflow vents mean your child can breathe and speak without issues, which is crucial in intense moments.
Key Features:
- High-performance protection for teeth, gums, and jaw.
- Durable, shock-absorbing EVA materials.
- Easy boil-and-bite custom fitting.
- Improved airflow vents for enhanced breathing and speech.
- Compact and lightweight slim profile design.
- Safe materials: latex and BPA free, CE certified.
- Suitable for combat sports, football, lacrosse, rugby, and more.
Pros:
- Excellent protection for high-impact sports.
- Easy to custom-mold for a snug fit.
- Enhanced airflow and communication.
- Slim profile makes it comfortable to wear.
- Trusted brand in athletic gear, with safe, certified materials.
Cons:
- Primarily marketed for combat sports, though versatile.
- Only comes in one color combination (black/red).
User Impressions: Kids and parents appreciate the secure, custom fit once molded correctly, noting that it stays in place during action. The slim design is a big plus for comfort, and the overall quality and protection are highly regarded, especially by those in martial arts.
6. Oral Mart Black/Green Youth Mouthguard for Kids
Oral Mart steps up with a youth mouthguard that combines unique design with superior protection. With a range of vibrant colors and fun designs (like vampire fangs!), this mouthguard aims to boost confidence while providing top-tier safety. Its dual-layer design features an inner gel layer for a customized fit and an outer impact layer for maximum resistance. Oral Mart emphasizes a “Fit You Better” approach, using specific materials and designs to help kids achieve a snug and comfortable fit, vital for effective protection.
Key Features:
- Unique designs and 15 color choices (including USA flag, vampire fangs).
- “Fit You Better” design with a small gap for front teeth for a snug fit.
- Dual-layer sports mouthguard: inner gel for custom fit, outer for impact resistance.
- Made from food-grade, BPA-free, Latex-free, Phthalate-free, 100% Medical-Grade Materials.
- Detailed instructional email and packaging for molding.
- Suitable for a vast array of contact sports like flag football, karate, hockey, martial arts, MMA, boxing, wrestling.
Pros:
- Visually appealing designs and colors that kids love.
- Dual-layer protection for a great balance of comfort and safety.
- Emphasis on achieving a custom, snug fit with specific design elements.
- Excellent material safety standards (BPA-free, etc.).
- Comprehensive customer support for fitting.
Cons:
- Requires careful molding for the “snug fit” benefit.
- Some parents might find the range of design choices overwhelming.
User Impressions: Many parents love the unique designs that encourage kids to wear them, and the custom fit is frequently highlighted as a major advantage. The dual-layer protection gives a sense of security, and the customer service for fitting guidance is a big bonus.
7. MENOLY 5 Packs Kids Mouth Guard Football BPA-Free Child
Another fantastic multi-pack option, the MENOLY 5 Packs Mouth Guard provides excellent value without compromising on safety. These BPA-free, food-grade EVA mouthguards are thicker than many alternatives, featuring a double-layer design with shock absorption at the bottom for maximum protection of gums, teeth, and lips. Each guard comes with its own portable carrying case, making hygiene and storage a breeze. Sized specifically for children under 8, it’s a great choice for younger athletes just starting their sports journey.
Key Features:
- 5 packs of BPA-Free food grade EVA material mouthguards.
- Double-layer design, thicker than many competitors, with shock absorption.
- Breathing channel design for easier breathing.
- Each pack includes 1 PVC outer box, 5 mouthguards, and 5 cases.
- Sized at 2.04 x 1.65 x 0.67 inches, suitable for children under 8 years old.
- Easy to model for a customized fit.
- Wide application for sports like football, basketball, boxing, MMA, hockey, Taekwondo.
Pros:
- Great value with 5 mouthguards and individual cases.
- Enhanced protection due to thicker, double-layer design.
- Safe, BPA-free, and non-toxic materials.
- Convenient for storage and travel.
- Specifically sized for younger children, providing a good fit.
Cons:
- Only suitable for children under 8, limiting its age range.
- Requires proper molding for optimal custom fit.
User Impressions: Parents with younger kids find these guards perfect in size and comfort. The extra thickness and double-layer design provide reassurance about protection, and the multiple guards with cases are incredibly practical for maintaining hygiene and having backups.
FAQ: All Your Questions About Kids Sports Mouthguards Answered
Choosing the best mouth guard for kids sports is a big step towards keeping your child safe. Here are some common questions parents ask:
Q1: Why do kids need mouthguards for sports?
A1: Mouthguards are vital for protecting a child’s teeth, gums, lips, and jaw from injuries during sports. They cushion blows, help absorb impact, and prevent tooth fractures, dislocations, or even loss, as well as soft tissue damage and concussions that can result from jaw impacts.
Q2: What’s the difference between boil-and-bite and instant-fit mouthguards?
A2: Boil-and-bite mouthguards are softened in hot water and then molded to your child’s teeth by biting down, offering a more custom and secure fit. Instant-fit mouthguards (like some for braces) are ready to wear right out of the package without any molding, providing immediate, albeit less personalized, protection.
Q3: How do I properly fit a boil-and-bite mouthguard?
A3: Always follow the specific instructions that come with your mouthguard, as they can vary. Generally, you’ll boil water, immerse the mouthguard for a short period (e.g., 30-60 seconds), cool it slightly, then have your child bite down firmly for about 20-30 seconds, sucking to create a vacuum fit around their teeth. You might need to try a couple of times to get it just right.
Q4: How often should I replace my child’s mouthguard?
A4: It’s recommended to replace your child’s mouthguard at least once a season or every 6-12 months. However, if it shows signs of wear and tear, becomes damaged, or no longer fits properly (especially for growing children), replace it immediately to ensure continued effective protection.
Q5: Can kids with braces wear mouthguards?
A5: Absolutely, and it’s even more crucial for them! There are specific mouthguards designed to fit over braces comfortably and without interfering with orthodontic treatment. Look for “braces-friendly” or “orthodontic” mouthguards, which are often made from softer materials and don’t require custom molding that could affect bracket alignment.
Q6: How do I clean and store a mouthguard?
A6: After each use, rinse the mouthguard thoroughly with cool water and brush it with a toothbrush and mild soap or toothpaste. You can also use a mouthguard cleaning solution. Store it in a sturdy, ventilated case to protect it from damage and allow it to air dry, preventing bacterial growth. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or hot cars.
Q7: What materials should I look for in a kids’ mouthguard?
A7: Look for mouthguards made from safe, non-toxic materials like medical-grade EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) or silicone. Many quality mouthguards are also BPA-free, latex-free, and phthalate-free, ensuring they’re safe for your child’s oral health and overall well-being.
Final Thoughts
Investing in the best mouth guard for kids sports is a small step that can make a huge difference in your child’s safety and confidence on the field. Whether you opt for a multi-pack for convenience, a specialized guard for braces, or a high-performance model for intense contact, the key is finding a comfortable, well-fitting option they’ll actually wear. With the right protection in place, your young athlete can focus on developing their skills and enjoying the game, leaving you with one less thing to worry about!