Top 5 Young Athlete Safety Tips: Youth Sports Mouthguard
Top 5 Young Athlete Safety Tips: Youth Sports Mouthguard
As a parent, coach, or young athlete yourself, you know that gearing up for sports isn’t just about sneakers, jerseys, and water bottles. One key piece of equipment that often gets overlooked-but can make a huge difference-is the youth sports mouthguard. At SportsGuard, we believe that the right mouthguard isn’t a luxury-it’s an essential for protecting young athletes today.
Here are five actionable safety tips to keep young athletes safe, confident, and ready to perform.
1. Choose the Right Fit
When it comes to a youth sports mouthguard, fit matters more than style. A poorly fitting mouthguard can shift during play, increase discomfort, or even fail when an impact happens. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), properly fitted mouthguards are strongly recommended for activities with risk of dental trauma.
What to look for:
- A mouthguard that covers all teeth and gums on one arch (typically the upper row).
- A snug but comfortable feel-your athlete should be able to talk, breathe, and drink without the mouthguard falling out.
- If your young athlete wears braces or other orthodontic gear, make sure the mouthguard accommodates that without causing pain.
Pro tip: Choose a mouthguard that your athlete is willing to wear during both practices and games. Consistent use matters more than perfection in fit.
2. Make It Part of Every Practice
Safety doesn’t stop when the game ends-practice matters just as much. Many injuries occur during training when the intensity is slightly lower and protective gear might be overlooked. According to the Cleveland Clinic, mouthguards meant for sports should be used in practices and games alike.
How to build the habit:
- Add the phrase “Mouthguard On!” to the pre-practice checklist.
- Have athletes store their mouthguard in a labeled case so it’s easier to remember.
- Encourage teammates to remind each other: peer support helps increase compliance.
- Coaches should model the behaviour too-when athletes see consistent gear use, it becomes the norm.
This consistency ensures that when a real collision or impact happens, the youth sports mouthguard is already in place, ready to protect.
3. Inspect and Replace Regularly
Even the best-fitting mouthguard loses effectiveness if it’s damaged or worn out. Because young athletes’ mouths change quickly (new teeth, braces, growth), it’s especially important to inspect and replace them regularly.
What to check:
- Cracks, tears, or thin spots in the mouthguard material. These compromise impact protection.
- Whether the guard still fits snugly. If the athlete seems to tug or reposition it, it may be time for a new one.
- If the athlete has just finished a season or changed orthodontic treatment, consider sizing up. Growth and braces can impact fit.
- Storage habits: keep it in a ventilated case, away from heat or direct sunlight (which can warp the shape)
By staying on top of maintenance, you ensure the youth sports mouthguard continues to deliver strong protection instead of becoming a liability.
4. Educate on Proper Use and Care
Equipment is only effective when used correctly. Educating young athletes on why and how to use a mouthguard builds buy-in and long-term habits.
Key points to cover:
- Explain that the mouthguard offers more than just teeth protection-it helps guard lips, gums, tongue, jaw, and sometimes reduces concussion risk.
- Show them how to insert and remove the mouthguard safely (don’t chew it!).
- Walking them through cleaning: rinse with cool water after each use, gently scrub with toothpaste if recommended, and dry before storing.
- Emphasize that even if they “just” play in practice, the risk is still there-so the mouthguard matters every time.
- Let them pick a mouthguard color or design if possible-it’s small, but ownership helps them keep it on.
This education empowers athletes to take ownership of their own safety, not just rely on coaches or parents.
5. Make It a Team Culture
When safety is part of the team culture, compliance becomes the norm and not the exception. A young athlete is far more likely to wear their mouthguard if it’s the accepted standard-and even expected by coaches and teammates.
Ways to build a culture:
- Team leaders or captains can start each session by checking gear, including mouthguards.
- Create a “gear check” ritual: before practice or a game, each athlete confirms they have their mouthguard.
- Reward consistent gear use-small recognitions like “gear MVP” or shout-outs help normalize the behaviour.
- Share real stories (in practice or team meetings) of what happens when athletes skip mouthguards: injuries, recovery time, loss of playing time. The facts are compelling: sports-related dental injuries are common and often avoidable.
- Make it visible-show posters or signage in the locker room about using your mouthguards. The reminder matters.
When every member of the team expects their peers to use a youth sports mouthguard, the athlete who might skip it is more likely to stand out-and that peer pressure works for safety.
Final Thoughts
Safety in youth sports goes far beyond the visible gear. While helmets, pads, and shoes get much of the attention, the youth sports mouthguard is the unsung hero of protective equipment. According to many dental professionals and sports safety experts, it protects not only teeth but helps distribute forces, guard soft tissue, and support overall athlete health.
At SportsGuard, our mission is to help young athletes stay in the game-with confidence, comfort, and protection. With the five tips above-selecting the right fit, practising consistently, maintaining good care, educating the athlete, and building strong team culture-you are setting up your young competitor for success both on and off the field.
Here’s to safety, strong performances, and healthy smiles!
