Children’s Mouthguards: When Kids Need Them and How to Choose the Right OneIntroduction

Q: When should a child wear a mouthguard?

A child should wear a mouthguard any time they play contact sport or are at risk of facial impact.

Q: Are boil-and-bite mouthguards good enough?

Boil-and-bite mouthguards offer some protection, but custom mouthguards provide superior fit and safety.

Q: How much do custom mouthguards for children cost?

Custom mouthguards for children typically cost between $150 and $300 in Australia, and health fund rebates may be available.

Q: Can a mouthguard prevent concussion?

Mouthguards can reduce impact force but cannot completely prevent concussion.

Q: How often should a child replace their mouthguard?

A child should usually replace their mouthguard every 12 months, or sooner if growth changes occur.

Apr 29
5 min read

Childrens mouthguards are protective dental appliances designed to prevent broken teeth, jaw injuries, and soft tissue trauma during sports or teeth grinding. If your child plays contact sport, rides a scooter, or grinds their teeth at night, a properly fitted mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of dental damage.

At Balgownie Dental, we regularly see preventable dental injuries in children, chipped incisors from footy, cracked molars from basketball collisions, and worn enamel from grinding. The good news? Most of these injuries can be avoided with the right protection.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:

When should a child wear a mouthguard?
The different types available
Custom vs store-bought comparisons
Custom mouthguards for children cost in Australia
How to choose the best option for your child’s needs

Why Childrens Mouthguards Are So Important

Dental injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries in Australian children. According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), thousands of dental trauma cases occur each year due to sport and recreational accidents.

Without protection, children are at risk of:

Broken or chipped teeth
Knocked-out permanent teeth
Jaw fractures
Soft tissue cuts to lips and cheeks
Concussions (mouthguards can help absorb shock)

Real Case from Our Clinic

We recently treated a 9-year-old rugby player who fractured his permanent front tooth during a tackle. Unfortunately, he wasn’t wearing a mouthguard. The treatment required emergency bonding and follow-up monitoring, something that could have been prevented with a properly fitted kids sports mouthguard dentist-made appliance.

When Should a Child Wear a Mouthguard?

Direct Answer

A child should wear a mouthguard whenever there is a risk of impact to the face, including during contact sports, martial arts, skateboarding, cycling, and if they grind their teeth at night.

Sports That Require Mouthguards

The following activities strongly warrant mouthguards for kids teeth protection:

High-Contact Sports

Rugby league & union
AFL
Boxing
Martial arts
Hockey

Medium-Risk Sports

Basketball
Soccer
Netball
Water polo

Recreational Activities

Skateboarding
BMX riding
Scooter riding
Trampolining

Many Australian schools now mandate mouthguards for contact sports participation.

What About Night-Time Grinding (Bruxism)?

Not all childrens mouthguards are for sport. Some are used to manage:

Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Jaw clenching
TMJ discomfort

If your child wakes up with:

Jaw pain
Headaches
Worn-down teeth
Tooth sensitivity

A night guard may be recommended after assessment during a general dentistry consultation.

Types of Childrens Mouthguards

Choosing the right type is critical. Not all mouthguards offer the same protection.

1️⃣ Stock (Ready-Made) Mouthguards

Best for: Short-term, low-risk useProtection level: Low

These are pre-formed and ready to wear.Problems include:

Poor fit
Bulky design
Difficulty breathing or speaking
Minimal shock absorption

We rarely recommend these for active children.

2️⃣ Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

Best for: Budget-conscious familiesProtection level: Moderate

Available at pharmacies and sports stores, these are softened in hot water and moulded at home.

Limitations:

Inconsistent fit
Can loosen over time
May not accommodate growing teeth properly

3️⃣ Custom Mouthguards (Dentist-Made)

Best for: Active kids in contact sportProtection level: High

Custom mouthguards are made using an impression or digital scan of your child’s teeth.

Advantages:

Snug, precise fit
Superior shock absorption
Comfortable breathing & speaking
Adjustable as adult teeth erupt

At Balgownie Dental, we design mouthguards specifically tailored to your child’s bite and sport.

Custom Mouthguards for Children Cost in Australia

Direct Answer

Custom mouthguards for children cost between $150–$300 in Australia, depending on material, thickness, and complexity.

What Influences Cost?

Type of sport (contact vs non-contact)
Single or dual-layer construction
Growth stage of child
Colour or design customisation

Some private health funds provide partial rebates.

While over-the-counter guards may cost $20–$60, replacing a fractured tooth can cost thousands — making custom protection a worthwhile investment.

How to Choose the Right Kids Sports Mouthguard Dentist Recommended

When parents ask us how to choose the right mouthguard, we recommend considering:

✔ Fit

A proper mouthguard should:

Stay in place without biting down
Allow easy breathing
Not restrict speech

✔ Thickness

High-impact sports require thicker material for shock absorption.

✔ Material Quality

Professional-grade EVA material lasts longer and absorbs force better than retail versions.

✔ Growth Stage

Children lose baby teeth and grow rapidly — we monitor development to ensure proper fit.

If unsure, we encourage parents to contact our team for personalised advice.

Signs Your Child Needs a New Mouthguard

Children grow quickly. Replace the mouthguard if:

Adult teeth have erupted
It feels loose
There are cracks or tears
It no longer fits comfortably

We recommend reviewing fit at each check-up under our services.

Benefits of Custom Mouthguards for Kids Teeth Protection

Feature	Store-Bought	Custom Dentist-Made
Fit	Generic	Precise
Comfort	Moderate	High
Durability	Low–Moderate	High
Shock Absorption	Basic	Advanced
Longevity	6–12 months	1–2 years (depending on growth)

Custom guards significantly reduce risk of:

Tooth avulsion (knocked-out tooth)
Root fractures
Jaw trauma

The Fitting Process at Balgownie Dental

We make the process simple and child-friendly.

Step 1: Consultation

We assess bite, sport type, and dental development.

Step 2: Digital Scan

No messy impressions — we use digital technology.

Step 3: Fabrication

The guard is lab-constructed using high-grade materials.

Step 4: Fit & Adjustment

We ensure comfort and teach your child how to care for it.

Parents often tell us their child forgets they’re even wearing it — which is exactly what we want.

Evidence-Based Dentistry

Research published through Australian dental authorities highlights that properly fitted mouthguards significantly reduce dental trauma risk.

For more on dental injury prevention, see guidance from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare regarding oral health injury data.

At Balgownie Dental, our clinicians follow evidence-based protocols aligned with Australian standards of care.

Conclusion

Childrens mouthguards are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your child’s smile. Whether your child plays rugby, netball, or grinds their teeth at night, the right mouthguard can prevent serious and costly dental damage.

Custom options provide superior protection, comfort, and durability — making them the safest choice for active kids.

If your child is starting sport this season or needs a replacement guard, book a consultation at Balgownie Dental today. Our experienced team will ensure they’re protected with a comfortable, professionally fitted solution.