Frisco is a sports town — youth football, soccer, basketball, baseball, and more keep our kids busy year-round. As a dad and a dentist, I've also seen what an elbow to the mouth or a face-first fall can do to a child's teeth. The encouraging news is that the most common sports dental injuries are almost entirely preventable with one inexpensive piece of gear: a properly fitted mouthguard.
Why a Mouthguard Matters So Much for Kids
A mouthguard cushions a blow and spreads its force, protecting against the injuries we see most: knocked-out teeth, chipped and fractured teeth, cut lips and cheeks, and even some jaw injuries. The stakes are higher for children because a tooth lost young can mean decades of replacement work. According to the American Dental Association, athletes without mouthguards are many times more likely to suffer dental injury.
Which Sports Need One?
- Football, hockey, lacrosse
- Basketball, soccer
- Baseball & softball
- Martial arts, boxing, wrestling
- Skateboarding & BMX
- Gymnastics & cheer
- Volleyball
- Mountain biking
- Any activity with fall risk
- Kids who wear braces
Custom vs Store-Bought
| Feature | Custom (Frisco Dental Hub) | Boil-and-Bite |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Exact, from a digital scan | Generic, often loose |
| Protection | Highest, even thickness | Variable |
| Breathing & talking | Easy — kids keep it in | Bulky, often spit out |
| Cost | Higher, but reusable & remade as they grow | Low |
My honest take: any mouthguard beats no mouthguard, so if budget is tight, a boil-and-bite is a fine start. But for a committed young athlete, a custom guard fits so much better that kids actually wear it — and that's what protects them. If your child wears braces, a guard is essential, and we'll make one designed to fit over the brackets.
Game On — Protect That Smile
A quick scan is all it takes for a custom-fit guard. Dr. C cares for young athletes across Frisco, McKinney & Plano.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Chakrapani Nannapaneni, DDS — UCSF School of Dentistry · ADA Member · Frisco Dental Hub, 4500 Hillcrest Rd Suite 190, Frisco TX 75035 · (972) 276-4888