Children's Sports Mouthguards in Highton, Geelong
Every weekend across Geelong, parents pack the car with boots, uniforms, drink bottles and snacks, ready for another round of children's sports. Amid the pre-match checklist, one small piece of gear is often overlooked or left behind altogether: the mouthguard.
For children playing footy, netball, hockey or other contact sports, a properly fitted sports mouthguard is one of the most important pieces of protective gear they can wear.
Why Children's Sports Mouthguards Are Important
Sports-related injuries are a common cause of dental trauma in children and teenagers. A knock to the face can lead to chipped, cracked or knocked-out teeth, cut lips and gums, or even jaw injuries.
According to the Australian Dental Association, thousands of dental injuries are treated each year that could have been avoided with a protective, custom-fitted mouthguard. A custom-fitted mouthguard helps absorb and spread the force of impact, protecting your child's teeth, gums and jaw during both training and game day.
Whether your child is midway through the winter season or preparing for summer sport later in the year, checking that their mouthguard still fits properly can help prevent an injury that may otherwise require months of ongoing dental treatment.
Why Children Are More Vulnerable to Dental Injuries During Sport
Children and teenagers are considered a higher-risk group for sport-related dental injuries. This is partly because their coordination, reaction speed and awareness of contact are still developing, which can make it harder for them to anticipate or avoid sudden impacts during play.
It is not only traditionally rough sports that carry this risk. While football codes, hockey and martial arts are often associated with a higher chance of injury, dental trauma can also happen in cricket, basketball, netball, during training sessions, or even in non-contact sports where a fall or accidental collision is possible.
Research involving children aged 6 to 16 who participated in organised sport found that chipped or fractured teeth, soft-tissue injuries and knocked-out teeth were among the reported outcomes of sport-related accidents. The study also found that many young athletes and their families had limited awareness of what to do when a dental injury occurred.
The stakes can also be different for children compared with adults. Many dental injuries in young athletes affect permanent teeth rather than baby teeth, which means the consequences can be long-lasting. When a permanent tooth is damaged at a young age, it can lead to years of ongoing dental treatment, including root canal therapy, crowns, or, in more serious cases, tooth replacement later in life.
A mouthguard may be a small piece of equipment, but it plays an important role in protecting your child's smile for years to come.
What Can Happen Without a Mouthguard
Without a mouthguard, a knock to the face during sport can lead to a range of dental injuries, from minor chips to more serious trauma.
One of the most common injuries is a chipped or fractured tooth, where the impact cracks the tooth or breaks away part of its structure. Even a small chip should be checked by a dentist, as the damage may extend deeper than what is visible on the surface.
More significant impacts can knock a tooth out of place or dislodge it completely. A knocked-out tooth is considered a dental emergency, and how quickly it is managed can affect whether the tooth can be saved. In some cases, the force of an impact can also affect the jaw, causing pain, swelling or difficulty opening the mouth.
Even injuries that seem minor at first are worth having checked. A tooth that feels slightly loose, sensitive or different after a knock may need professional assessment.
If your child experiences a dental injury during sport, prompt dental care gives them the best chance of a simpler recovery and helps reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Custom-Fitted vs Store-Bought Mouthguards
When it comes to protecting your child's teeth during sport, not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection, comfort or fit. Broadly, there are two main options: a custom-fitted mouthguard made by a dentist, or a store-bought 'boil-and-bite' mouthguard from a chemist or sports store.
Here is how they compare:
| Factors | Custom-Fitted Mouthguard | Store-Bought Mouthguard |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Precise, made from your child's teeth | Self-moulded, fit varies |
| Protection | Even thickness, consistent protection | Uneven thickness, less reliable |
| Comfort | Close fit, comfortable | Can feel bulky or loose |
| Breathing & talking | Easier to breathe and speak | Can restrict breathing |
| Staying in place | Stays secure during play | More likely to shift or fall out |
| Suitability for growing mouths | Fit checked and reassessed by a dentist | No professional check included |
| Where to get one | Fitted by a dentist | Pharmacies and sports stores |
A 2024 study comparing custom-made and boil-and-bite mouthguards in basketball players found that custom-made mouthguards were rated significantly more comfortable, with less interference to breathing and speech, compared with boil-and-bite alternatives.
This supports the idea that a well-fitted mouthguard may not only be more comfortable to wear, but may also make it easier for your child to breathe and communicate clearly during play.
For growing children in particular, whose teeth and jaws change over time, a properly fitted mouthguard also makes it easier for your dentist to check that the fit is still appropriate as their mouth develops.
Caring for a Mouthguard Between Games
A well cared-for mouthguard lasts longer and stays more hygienic. A few simple habits can make a real difference.
Rinse it before and after use
Rinse the mouthguard, ideally with cool water. This clears away bacteria and food particles without damaging the material.
Store it in a ventilated case
Use a ventilated case rather than a closed bag or pocket. Air flow helps it dry properly and reduces bacteria build-up between games.
Keep it away from heat
Hot cars, direct sun and hot water can warp a mouthguard and change its fit.
Check the fit regularly
This is especially important for growing children. A mouthguard that fits well at the start of the season may need adjusting or replacing as your child's teeth and jaw develop.
Bring it to check-ups
Your dentist can assess the fit and condition of the mouthguard alongside your child's regular dental check-up.
If it has been a few months since your child was fitted, mid-season is a good time to check that nothing has changed.
Getting Your Child Fitted at My Dentist Geelong (Highton)
At My Dentist Geelong (Highton), custom-fitted mouthguards are available as part of our children's dentistry services.
The team will take a mould or scan of your child's teeth to create a mouthguard that fits properly, feels comfortable, and offers reliable protection through the season. It is also a good opportunity to have a check-up at the same time, so any other concerns can be picked up early.
If your child's mouthguard is due for a fit check, or they have not been fitted for one yet, get in touch with our team to book an appointment.
The clinic is conveniently located within Barrabool Hills Plaza in Highton, Geelong, with ample free parking available. Flexible payment options, including DentiCare and government dental benefits, are also available to support your care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child really need a mouthguard for sport?
Yes. A mouthguard is strongly recommended for children who play contact or collision sports, as well as sports where falls, accidental knocks, or hard balls are involved. This includes footy, hockey, basketball, netball, cricket, martial arts and other active sports. A mouthguard helps protect the teeth, lips, gums and jaw from injury during training and games.
Are custom-fitted mouthguards better than store-bought mouthguards?
Custom-fitted mouthguards generally offer a better fit, comfort and level of protection than store-bought boil-and-bite mouthguards. They are made from a mould or scan of your child's teeth, so they are more secure and less bulky. This makes them easier to wear throughout a full game or training session.
How often should my child's mouthguard be replaced?
Children's teeth and jaws change as they grow, so their mouthguard should be checked regularly. A mouthguard that is fitted well at the start of the season may become loose, tight or uncomfortable a few months later. If it no longer stays in place, feels uncomfortable, looks worn, or has been damaged, it may need to be adjusted or replaced.
Can my child use last season's mouthguard?
It depends on whether it still fits properly. Children's mouths can change quickly, especially when new teeth come through or orthodontic treatment is involved. If your child is using a mouthguard from a previous season, it is a good idea to bring it to their dental check-up so the dentist can assess the fit and condition.
What should I do if my child chips or knocks out a tooth during sport?
A knocked-out permanent tooth is a dental emergency. Contact a dentist as soon as possible for advice and urgent care. Even if the injury seems minor, such as a small chip, loose tooth, sensitivity or jaw pain, it is still worth having your child checked. Prompt dental care can help reduce the risk of long-term complications. My Dentist Geelong (Highton) provides emergency dental care services, subject to availability.
How should my child clean and store their mouthguard?
Your child should rinse their mouthguard with cool water before and after each use. It should be stored in a clean, ventilated case so it can dry properly between games. Avoid leaving it in hot cars, direct sunlight or hot water, as heat can warp the material and affect the fit.
Can my child wear a mouthguard if they have braces?
In many cases, children with braces can still wear a mouthguard, but they need one that is suitable for orthodontic treatment. A dentist can advise on the best type of mouthguard based on your child's teeth, braces and stage of treatment.
Is a custom mouthguard covered by private health insurance?
Some private health insurance policies with dental extras may cover part of the cost, depending on your level of cover. My Dentist Geelong (Highton) offers multiple payment options, including DentiCare payment plans, private health insurance rebates through HICAPS, and Department of Veterans' Affairs dental benefits. Please note that the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) does not cover custom mouthguards. Kindly check with the clinic when booking to confirm what applies to your situation.
Ready to Smile with Confidence?
Conveniently located within Barrabool Hills Plaza in Highton, Geelong, My Dentist Geelong (Highton) welcomes patients from Highton, Belmont, Wandana Heights, Newtown, Waurn Ponds, Ceres, Fyansford and Manifold Heights, as well as the wider Geelong community.
With easy access just off the M1 Princes Highway / Great Ocean Road and ample free parking within the shopping centre, visiting our clinic is simple and stress-free. Whether you need preventive, cosmetic, restorative or emergency dental care, our team is here to help.
