Any Calgary child who plays a sport with body contact, falls, sticks or fast balls should wear a sports mouthguard at every game and practice. A mouthguard is a cover worn over the teeth that helps prevent injuries to the teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue, as the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) explains. There are three types: stock, boil-and-bite and custom-made. A custom guard from a dentist costs more and fits better. Whichever type you choose, replace it when your child outgrows it or it wears out.
In Calgary, that means hockey and ringette all winter and soccer and cricket all summer. At your child’s checkup at The Port Dental Clinic in NE Calgary, ask your dentist about a custom-fitted sports guard. Learn more about our dental care for kids.
Which sports need a mouthguard?
Wear one for any sport where your child could take a hit to the face, fall hard, or be struck by a stick, puck or ball. Injuries can happen in non-contact activities too. The American Dental Association (ADA) lists gymnastics and skating as examples. Sports where a guard makes sense include:
- Hockey and ringette, where sticks, pucks and boards are part of the game
- Basketball, where players crowd together under the basket
- Soccer, including headers and goalkeeper dives
- Cricket, when batting or keeping wicket
- Lacrosse, rugby and martial arts
- Skateboarding, BMX and the terrain park
Equipment rules differ between leagues and age groups, so check your association’s equipment list each season.
Stock vs boil-and-bite vs custom mouthguards
The CDA describes three types of mouthguard. Here is how they compare.
| Type | How it is made | Fit and comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | Pre-formed, inexpensive and ready to wear | Often bulky and loose; can make breathing and talking harder |
| Boil-and-bite | Softened in hot water, then shaped by biting into it (follow the package instructions) | Usually fits better than stock; the fit depends on how well it was moulded |
| Custom-made | Made for your child from an impression or scan of their teeth | Fits closely and stays in place; costs more than store-bought guards |
The CDA encourages players to consider a custom mouthguard, because a comfortable, properly fitted guard gives better protection. A custom guard is worth considering for kids who play contact sports, play several times a week, wear braces, or keep spitting out store-bought guards. If a custom guard isn’t an option right now, the ADA advises wearing a stock or boil-and-bite guard instead of going without. Your dentist can help you choose the right type for your child.
How much does a sports mouthguard cost?
Prices vary, so we don’t quote figures here. These are the main things that affect what you pay:
- The type. Store-bought guards cost less. A custom guard involves an exam, an impression or scan, and lab work.
- Growth. Kids may need a new guard sooner than adults as their teeth and jaws change.
- Braces. A guard for braces has to fit around the brackets.
- Your coverage. Some private dental plans include custom athletic mouthguards. Others don’t.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) lists mouth guards as an exclusion in its Dental Benefits Guide, so it does not pay for them. If you have private coverage, we can check what your plan covers. We offer direct billing to most insurance plans.
How should a mouthguard fit?
A well-fitted guard covers the upper teeth and stays in place on its own. Check these points when your child tries it on:
- It stays put without your child biting down to hold it
- Your child can breathe and talk while wearing it
- It doesn’t cause gagging or feel too bulky
- The edges are smooth and don’t press into the gums
Kids with braces need a guard that fits over the brackets. The CDA advises a custom-fit guard during orthodontic treatment. The ADA notes that a dentist may also suggest a guard for the lower teeth if those teeth have braces. Take out retainers and other removable appliances before contact sports.
How do you clean and store a mouthguard?
A clean, dry guard stays fresh and lasts longer. The ADA suggests these habits:
- Rinse it before and after each use, or brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste
- Wash it now and then in cool, soapy water, then rinse it well
- Store it in a sturdy case with air vents so it can dry
- Keep it away from hot water and direct sun, including a car dashboard
- Bring it to checkups so we can look at the fit
When should you replace a child’s mouthguard?
Replace a guard right away if it is worn, damaged or loose. The ADA notes that children and teens may need new guards more often because their mouths are still growing. Watch for these signs:
- It feels loose or falls out during play
- New adult teeth have come in since it was made
- It has bite holes, rough spots, cracks or sharp edges
A good habit is to check the fit at the start of each season and at every checkup.
Is a sports mouthguard the same as a night guard?
No. A sports guard is designed to cushion a blow during play. A night guard is worn during sleep to protect the teeth from grinding. Grinding, also called bruxism, means clenching or rubbing the teeth together, often without knowing it. If your child grinds at night, read about night guards and TMJ care or our guide to bruxism.
What to do if a tooth is chipped or knocked out
Stay calm and move quickly. For a knocked-out adult tooth, MyHealth Alberta gives these steps:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part you see in the mouth), not the root.
- Rinse it with water. Don’t rub or scrub it.
- Try to gently put it back in the socket.
- If it won’t go back in, put it in a small container of milk.
- See a dentist right away. MyHealth Alberta says results are better when a dentist puts the tooth back within 30 minutes.
Do not put a knocked-out baby tooth back in. HealthLinkBC explains that this may cause problems with the adult tooth developing underneath. Press clean gauze on the spot for about 15 minutes and call us. For a chipped or broken tooth, bring any pieces with you. Our emergency dentist guide covers the first 30 minutes in more detail.
When to call us
Call 403-345-1110 the same day if your child:
- Has a tooth knocked out, loosened or pushed out of place
- Chips or breaks a tooth, even if it doesn’t hurt
- Has pain when biting or chewing after a hit
- Has a tooth that changes colour after an injury
We offer same-day emergency appointments when possible. Outside our hours, call Health Link 811 for 24/7 health advice. Call 911 for trouble breathing or swallowing, or any other medical emergency. Go to the nearest emergency department for facial swelling, fever or a hard hit to the face or jaw.
Sports mouthguard FAQ
Yes. Wear it any time there is a chance of contact, falls, or a stick, puck or ball to the face. Injuries can happen at practice as well as at games.
Yes. The guard needs room for the brackets. The Canadian Dental Association advises a custom mouthguard for patients in orthodontic treatment so it fits properly.
The American Dental Association advises wearing a stock or boil-and-bite guard if a custom one isn’t an option. A custom guard fits more closely, and the Canadian Dental Association notes that a properly fitted guard protects better.
Replace it when it is worn, damaged or loose. Growing children may need a new guard more often than adults, so check the fit each season and at checkups.
Get your child ready for the season with a checkup, and ask your dentist about a custom-fitted sports guard. Learn about dental care for kids at The Port Dental Clinic, then book online or call 403-345-1110. We’re at 4250 109 Ave NE #3145 in The Port Plaza, open Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 4pm.
