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.
-
“those boil-and-bite guards from the store aren’t always enough for kids who clench hard”
That’s true sometimes, but not every kid needs a pricey custom one right away. If the off-the-shelf guard fits well and the kid isn’t having jaw pain or headaches, it might be enough for now.
- Also, worth mentioning: some kids just won’t wear a bulky custom guard at all, so comfort and compliance can matter more than “ideal fit.”
- Just my two cents... sometimes simpler works, at least as a first step.