Sports Mouthguards for Children and Teens in Sandgate

If your child plays sport, a well-fitted mouthguard is one of the simplest pieces of safety gear you can give them. At Sandgate Family Dental we make custom mouthguards designed specifically for growing mouths — comfortable enough to actually wear, and protective enough to do the job. This page is written for parents weighing up options for the family.

If your child is heading into a new season, you can book a mouthguard fitting online at a time that suits the school or training schedule.

Why a properly fitted mouthguard matters

A mouthguard cushions the force of a knock and helps reduce the risk of:

Knocked-out teeth
Chipped, broken, or cracked teeth
Cuts to the lips, gums, and cheeks
Injury to the jaw and the tooth roots beneath the gum

A poorly fitting mouthguard does very little of that work, no matter how thick it looks. It needs to stay in place during contact, allow your child to speak and breathe, and cover the upper teeth and gums evenly.

Custom vs over-the-counter

Most parents have come across boil-and-bite mouthguards at the chemist or sports store. They are inexpensive, but they have real limits — especially for children.

Custom mouthguards are made from impressions of your child’s teeth, with multiple layers of EVA material at the front for shock absorption. They stay put, breathe better, and are easier to talk in.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards can give some protection but tend to be bulky, slip out of place during contact, and cover less of the gum and back teeth. Children who don’t like them often quietly stop wearing them.
Stock (one-size) mouthguards sit awkwardly in most mouths and are generally not recommended.

For a more detailed comparison from our general sports section, see custom vs boil-and-bite. The parent decision is usually about whether the extra cost of a custom guard is worth it for the season ahead — and for most growing kids, it is.

Fit changes fast as kids grow

This is the part most parents are not warned about. A mouthguard that fitted last season may not fit now if your child has:

Lost baby teeth and gained adult teeth
Started or finished orthodontic treatment
Grown noticeably (jaw shape changes more than parents realise)
Had a tooth chipped or repaired since the last guard was made

As a general rule, we recommend rechecking the fit of a child’s mouthguard each season, and replacing it every 12 to 24 months — sooner if it has been chewed, lost shape, or starts to feel loose.

Mouthguards for kids in braces

If your child is in fixed braces, they need a mouthguard designed to fit around the brackets, with extra room for movement as the teeth shift. A custom orthodontic mouthguard is much safer than trying to use a regular boil-and-bite guard over braces — and is also kinder on the lips and cheeks. For more, see our mouthguards with braces information.

Which sports really need a mouthguard?

Sport governing bodies vary on what is mandatory, but dentists generally recommend a mouthguard for any sport with a risk of contact, falls, or stray equipment. That includes:

Rugby league, rugby union, AFL, and touch football — see our contact football codes page
Hockey, cricket, basketball, netball, and lacrosse
Boxing, martial arts, and combat sports
Skateboarding, scootering, BMX, and mountain biking
Water sports such as polo and surf lifesaving training

If you are unsure, ask your child’s coach — and if in doubt, lean towards using one. Most dental injuries we see in children come from sports that parents had not thought of as “contact”.

What happens at a kids’ mouthguard fitting

A custom mouthguard takes two visits, usually a week or two apart.

1. The fitting appointment

We take a digital scan or quick impression of your child’s teeth. They get to pick the colour — team colours, glow-in-the-dark, marbled patterns, name and number printed on the side; whatever helps them want to wear it.

2. The fit-check appointment

We check that the new mouthguard sits evenly, does not gag your child, allows clear speech, and stays in place when they bite together. Adjustments are made on the spot if needed.

3. Wear and care

We talk you both through cleaning, storing, and replacing the guard, and what to do if it gets chewed or chipped.

Caring for a child’s mouthguard

A few simple habits keep the guard working and hygienic:

Rinse it in cool water after each use — hot water can warp it
Give it a brush with a toothbrush (no toothpaste) every few days
Store it in a vented case, not loose in a sports bag
Keep it away from car dashboards, hot windowsills, and the family dog
Bring it to dental check-ups so we can have a look

For more on care intervals, see care and replacement.

Who this page is for

Parents fitting out a child for a new sport season
Families with kids in braces who need a guard that fits around them
Parents whose child has had a previous dental injury during sport
Coaches and team managers looking for general guidance to pass on

Health funds and payment

We are HICAPS providers. Many health funds include sports mouthguards as part of general dental cover, and we can claim your eligible rebate at the practice on the day. The exact amount depends on your policy, level of cover, and annual limits — your fund can confirm before the visit.

Kids’ sports mouthguard FAQs

At what age can a child have a custom mouthguard?

From about 6 to 7 years, once a child has some permanent teeth and can cooperate with a quick impression or scan. For younger children, we usually recommend waiting until the adult teeth start to come through.

How long does a kids’ mouthguard last?

For growing children, plan on 12 to 24 months between guards — sometimes less during the mixed-dentition stage when adult teeth are coming through rapidly.

Can my child wear their guard with braces?

Yes, with a properly designed orthodontic mouthguard. A standard guard pressed over braces can damage both the brackets and the lips.

Will my child still be able to breathe and talk?

Yes — a well-fitted custom guard allows normal speech and breathing. If your child is struggling, it usually means the fit needs adjusting.

What if my child plays multiple sports?

One custom guard usually covers them across multiple sports of similar contact level. We will discuss thickness and design based on the most contact-heavy sport they play.

Does my child really need one if their sport doesn’t mandate it?

Most dental injuries in children we see come from sports without a strict mouthguard rule. If there is any risk of falls or contact, a guard is worth wearing.

What happens if a tooth still gets knocked or damaged?

See our children’s dental emergency page for what to do, and contact the practice as soon as you can.

Related information

Book your child’s mouthguard fitting

If a new season is coming up, it is worth getting the mouthguard sorted before the first training session. Book online or phone the practice during business hours.