Has Your Child Outgrown Their Sports Mouthguard? Ask at the Next Checkup
TL;DR
A sports mouthguard that fitted your child last season may fit differently after baby teeth are lost, permanent teeth come in or orthodontic tooth movement occurs. Bring it to the next dental checkup so the dentist can assess its fit and wear.
- Tell the dental team if the guard feels different, no longer stays in place as it used to, or looks worn or damaged.
- If it no longer stays in place or appears damaged during sports use, call the office rather than waiting for a routine checkup.
- A properly fitted guard can help reduce injuries to the teeth and mouth, but it cannot prevent every injury or be relied on to prevent a concussion. Whether a replacement is needed depends on the assessment.
A child’s sports mouthguard can be easy to overlook once it becomes part of the equipment bag. If your child has lost baby teeth, gained permanent teeth or had orthodontic changes since getting the guard, bring it to a dental checkup and ask whether it still fits.
Why check the fit again?
The Canadian Dental Association advises families to check a child’s mouthguard fit frequently and replace one the child has outgrown. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry notes that losing baby teeth, gaining permanent teeth and orthodontic tooth movement can change how a young athlete’s guard fits. A guard that fitted well last season should not be assumed to fit the same way now.
A properly fitted mouthguard can help reduce sports-related injuries to the teeth and mouth. It cannot prevent every injury, and it should not be relied on to prevent a concussion.
What should you bring up at the visit?
Tell the dental team if the guard feels different to your child, no longer stays in place as it used to, or looks worn or damaged. Bring the guard itself so the dentist can assess its wear and fit. If it no longer stays in place or appears damaged while your child is using it for sports, call the office rather than waiting for the next routine checkup.
- Does this guard still fit my child’s teeth?
- Is its condition suitable for continued use?
- Have recent tooth or orthodontic changes affected the fit?
- If it no longer fits, what options should we consider, and when should we check the next guard?
The answers depend on an assessment. A change in fit does not, by itself, tell you which type of guard your child needs.
Make it one manageable checkup question
When arranging your child’s visit at Excel Dental in Hamilton, mention that you would like to ask about an existing sports mouthguard and bring it to the appointment. You can learn more about our general dental care before you call. The office can clarify what can be reviewed at the visit; a replacement, if needed, may require a separate plan.
This article is for general education only and does not replace personalized advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed dentist.
