Did you know kids’ sports guards can help with more than just broken teeth?

That’s interesting about the dual-layer guards lasting longer - I wish I’d known about those back when my grandkids were younger. My oldest grandson played hockey and chewed through his mouthguards constantly. We’d be buying new ones every few weeks, and it always felt like a waste, but at the time I just assumed that was normal. Never really thought about whether a thicker or layered guard would make much difference.

I do wonder about the shock absorption claims, though. I’ve worn night guards for grinding as an adult, and while they definitely protect my teeth, I can’t say I ever noticed much in terms of cushioning for my jaw or anything. Maybe it’s different with sports guards for kids since they’re taking more direct hits? Either way, I agree - insurance not covering these things is frustrating. You’d think prevention would be cheaper in the long run than fixing broken teeth later on.

Curious if anyone’s dentist has ever suggested custom guards for kids, or is it usually just the store-bought ones? Custom ones were pricey for me but did fit better...

Curious if anyone’s dentist has ever suggested custom guards for kids, or is it usually just the store-bought ones? Custom ones were pricey for me but did fit better...

My dentist actually pushed for a custom guard when I started grinding my teeth - said it would “change my life.” I was skeptical (and cheap), so I tried the store ones first. Let’s just say, waking up with a mouth full of plastic bits wasn’t a highlight. The custom one felt way sturdier, but yeah, my wallet cried a little. For kids? I’d probably go custom if they’re serious about their sport, but if they’re just dabbling, the drugstore ones seem fine… until they start chewing through them like your grandson!

I totally get the wallet pain - mine still hasn’t forgiven me for the custom guard. I tried the boil-and-bite ones too, but I swear my jaw ached more from trying to mold them than from the actual grinding. For kids, I’d probably only go custom if they’re playing something rough or if their dentist keeps nagging... otherwise, those store ones are like training wheels, right?

otherwise, those store ones are like training wheels, right?

Yeah, I hear you. Those boil-and-bite guards are basically the starter pack - good enough for most kids unless they’re getting knocked around every weekend. The custom ones are a wallet punch, but honestly, they do fit way better and last longer. Had a few parents thank me after their kid stopped waking up with headaches from grinding at night... not just about teeth, it’s about jaw protection too.

Funny thing, my nephew used to chew through those cheap guards in like a month. Switched him to a custom one after his coach kept finding little plastic bits on the field - gross, but kinda hilarious. Custom’s overkill for some, but if your kid’s serious or has ortho stuff going on, it’s worth thinking about.

But yeah, for most kids? Store-bought is fine unless you’ve got a dentist breathing down your neck or your kid’s playing rugby with the big dogs.

Totally agree about the “starter pack” vibe with store-bought guards. I went through a few of those before braces, and they never really fit right - always slipping around, and I’d end up chewing them to bits out of boredom or nerves. Anyone else get that weird plasticky taste? The custom one I got after starting ortho was a game-changer, though… way less drooling at practice, and my jaw actually felt better. Pricey, yeah, but honestly, my headaches got way less frequent. If your kid’s got ortho gear or just grinds a lot, it’s worth thinking about. Otherwise, why spend more if the cheap ones work?

Custom guards really do make a difference, especially for kids with braces or those who grind their teeth. My son started out with the cheap boil-and-bite ones from the sports store, and honestly, he hated them - kept complaining they felt bulky and would fall out during soccer. Plus, he’d always end up chewing little pieces off (which grossed me out more than him, apparently).

Once his orthodontist suggested a custom guard, I was hesitant because of the price tag. But after a couple months, I noticed he wasn’t waking up with jaw pain anymore and he actually wore the thing without me nagging. The fit is just so much better - no more drooling or that weird plastic taste you mentioned.

It’s definitely not necessary for everyone, though. If your kid isn’t in braces or having issues, the basic ones might be fine. But for us, the upgrade was worth it just for the comfort and fewer headaches. Sometimes it’s about finding what works for your kid - even if it costs a bit more upfront.

We had a similar experience with my daughter - she’s got braces and grinds her teeth at night. The cheap guards just didn’t stay put, and she’d wake up with jaw pain or sometimes not have it in at all. The custom one was pricey, yeah, but honestly, it’s made such a difference for her sleep and even her focus during the day. Didn’t expect that side effect. I guess comfort really does matter with these things.

Yeah, comfort’s such a big deal with these guards. My son tried those boil-and-bite ones for soccer and they just never fit right - he’d end up taking them out halfway through practice. We finally caved and got a custom one, and honestly, his headaches got way better. Didn’t even realize the cheap ones could mess with his sleep, but looking back it makes sense. It’s wild how much a good fit can change things, especially for focus and mood.

That’s interesting - never thought about headaches being connected to mouthguards, but it makes sense if they’re messing with jaw alignment or causing tension. Did your son notice any difference in how he played once he switched to the custom one? I’ve heard some kids actually focus better when they’re not distracted by an uncomfortable guard, but I’m curious if that was true for you guys.

I’ve heard some kids actually focus better when they’re not distracted by an uncomfortable guard, but I’m curious if that was true for you guys.

Funny thing, my nephew actually said he got *more* fidgety when he switched to a custom one. Maybe it’s just him, but he kept messing with it because it felt “too smooth” (his words). Guess the old chunky guard kept him busy chomping instead of thinking about the game. Not saying customs aren’t better, but I’m not convinced they magically boost focus for every kid. Sometimes they just find new stuff to fuss about, y’know?

That’s interesting - my kid actually found the opposite. With the custom guard, he stopped taking it out every five minutes to “fix” it, but I guess it’s really a toss-up depending on the kid. The price difference is what gets me, though. I keep wondering if the extra expense is worth it when they might just find a new thing to fiddle with anyway. Did your nephew eventually get used to the smoother feel, or is he still distracted by it?

The price difference is what gets me, though. I keep wondering if the extra expense is worth it when they might just find a new thing to fiddle with anyway.

Totally get this. Honestly, I had the same debate with myself before shelling out for the custom one. My kid’s super sensitive to anything in her mouth, so I was bracing for complaints, but weirdly enough, she actually stopped fussing with it after a week or so. I think the fit made a difference - it didn’t rub or feel bulky, so she just forgot about it. But I’ve seen her friends do exactly what you described - pop them out constantly or chew on them until they’re trashed.

The cost still stings, though. I wish insurance covered more of it. But for us, not having to remind her every two seconds made it worth it. Guess it really just depends on how your kid reacts... no one-size-fits-all answer here.

I hear you on the price. The first time I saw the bill for a custom guard, I actually laughed and thought it was a typo. But my son is one of those kids who can’t stand anything “weird” in his mouth - he’ll spit out gum after two chews, so I figured he’d never wear it. To my shock, he barely noticed the custom one after a couple days. The cheap boil-and-bite ones, though? He’d chew them like a dog with a new toy, and they’d be shredded by the end of practice.

Still, I can’t say I was thrilled paying that much when he could just as easily decide he’s into chess next month. But for now, fewer arguments in the morning are worth something. If only insurance would get with the program…

I totally get the sticker shock - my kid just started soccer, and I was floored at the cost for a custom guard. He’s super sensitive about textures too, so I was dreading the drama. But weirdly, after a few days, he stopped complaining. The cheap ones were a disaster - he’d just fidget with them nonstop and they’d end up in pieces. Still feels wild to pay that much for something he might not even need next season, but honestly, the peace and fewer meltdowns before practice make it almost worth it... Wish insurance would budge a little too.

Yeah, I hear you on the sticker shock - those custom guards are no joke. I’ve seen parents do a double-take at the price tag more than once. But honestly, if your kid’s sensitive about textures, it’s almost a sanity tax, right? The cheap boil-and-bite ones never lasted a week in my house. My youngest would chew them like gum and then act surprised when they fell apart... go figure.

I used to think it was overkill for soccer too, but we found out the hard way that those guards do more than just protect teeth. My older kid took an elbow to the jaw last season, and his dentist said the guard probably saved him from a trip to urgent care. Wild.

Insurance not covering it drives me nuts though. You’d think preventative stuff would be a no-brainer. But hey, if it means fewer pre-practice meltdowns and less nagging on my end, I’ll take the hit this year... just hoping his mouth doesn’t grow again by fall.

Totally get where you’re coming from about the cost - it stings, but I’ve also seen those cheap guards turn into a pile of rubber shreds in no time. My daughter used to “forget” hers on purpose because she hated how bulky the store-bought ones felt. Once we finally caved and got her a custom one, it was like night and day. She actually wears it now without complaining, so I guess that’s worth something.

I was also skeptical about needing them for soccer. I always thought mouthguards were more of a hockey or football thing. Then a teammate’s kid chipped a tooth during a regular scrimmage, nothing even rough, and now I’m that parent who double-checks the gear bag before every practice. The insurance thing is a head-scratcher for me too - seems like it’d save everyone money in the long run.

The growth spurts are the wild card, though. I swear my kids’ mouths change every six months... Just hoping this one lasts through the season.

We’ve had the same issue with growth spurts - seems like we’re constantly replacing gear. I’ve heard some people say mouthguards can help with jaw alignment or even headaches, but I’m not sure how much truth there is to that. Has anyone noticed other benefits besides just protecting teeth?

I’ve heard some people say mouthguards can help with jaw alignment or even headaches, but I’m not sure how much truth there is to that.

Honestly, there’s actually something to it. My daughter’s orthodontist mentioned that a well-fitted guard can sometimes reduce tension in the jaw, especially if kids are clenching during sports. We noticed fewer complaints about sore jaws after games - could just be coincidence, but it seemed to help. As for headaches, that one’s trickier... I think it really depends on the kid and how they’re wearing it. But hey, if you’re swapping gear every few months anyway, might as well get the extra perks where you can!

That lines up with what I’ve seen in my own practice. Mouthguards do way more than just protect against chipped teeth - especially for kids who grind or clench while playing. A custom-fit guard can spread out the pressure, which means less wear on the jaw joints and muscles. I’ve had several parents mention their kids stopped complaining about jaw soreness after switching to a better-fitting guard.

Headaches are a bit of a mixed bag, though. If the headaches are from jaw tension or clenching, then yeah, a mouthguard can sometimes help. But if they’re coming from something else - like dehydration or sinus stuff - it probably won’t do much. I always tell families that if a kid’s getting frequent headaches, it’s worth checking in with their doctor too, just to rule out any other causes.

One thing I’d add: those boil-and-bite guards from the store aren’t always enough for kids who clench hard. Sometimes it’s worth asking your dentist about a custom one, especially if you notice teeth grinding at night or during games. It can make a bigger difference than people expect...

- I get where you’re coming from on custom guards, but I’ve actually seen some kids do fine with the store-bought versions - especially if they’re just starting out and not grinding super hard.
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“those boil-and-bite guards from the store aren’t always enough for kids who clench hard”