Every sports season, it happens.
A parent spends hundreds of dollars on registration fees.
New cleats.
New equipment.
Team photos.
Tournament travel.
And then their child takes an elbow, a baseball, a stick, or another player’s shoulder directly to the mouth.
Suddenly, a $25,000 smile is depending on a $20 piece of plastic from a sporting goods store.
That’s why more Burlington-area parents are asking about custom athletic mouthguards.
Not because they’re trying to gain a competitive advantage.
Because they’re trying to avoid an emergency.
The Short Answer
If your child plays:
- Football
- Baseball
- Softball
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Lacrosse
- Wrestling
- Hockey
- Martial arts
A custom mouthguard provides significantly better fit, comfort, and protection than most over-the-counter options.
And when compared to the cost of repairing a broken tooth, it’s usually one of the least expensive investments a parent can make.
The Myth: “My Child Doesn’t Play a Contact Sport”
This is one of the biggest misconceptions we hear.
Parents often assume mouthguards are only necessary for football players.
The reality?
Many dental injuries happen in sports that aren’t traditionally considered “contact sports.”
We’ve seen dental trauma from:
- Basketball collisions
- Baseball line drives
- Soccer headers gone wrong
- Softball hops
- Elbows during rebounds
- Accidental falls
The mouth doesn’t care whether the sport is classified as contact or non-contact.
Impact is impact.
Why Store-Bought Mouthguards Often End Up in the Equipment Bag
Let’s be honest.
Most kids hate wearing bulky mouthguards.
The complaints are predictable:
- “I can’t breathe.”
- “I can’t talk.”
- “It feels weird.”
- “It keeps falling out.”
- “It’s too big.”
And parents know what happens next.
The mouthguard sits in a backpack.
Or a locker.
Or the bottom of a sports bag.
A mouthguard only works when it’s actually in the mouth.
The Biggest Advantage of a Custom Mouthguard
Fit.
That’s it.
That’s the entire story.
A custom mouthguard is made specifically for your child’s teeth.
That means:
- Better retention
- Better comfort
- Easier breathing
- Easier communication
- Better protection during impact
And because it fits properly, athletes are more likely to wear it consistently.
That’s what matters.
The Cost Question Parents Ask
Let’s talk about the number everyone wants to know.
A custom mouthguard costs more than a sporting goods store mouthguard.
No surprise there.
But compare that to the cost of treating:
- A chipped tooth
- A fractured tooth
- A knocked-out tooth
- Emergency dental treatment
- Root canal therapy
- Dental implants later in life
The conversation changes quickly.
The question isn’t:
“Is a custom mouthguard expensive?”
The question is:
“Compared to what?”
The Tooth That Gets Knocked Out
This is the injury parents remember.
And for good reason.
A knocked-out permanent tooth can create years of treatment.
Potentially involving:
- Emergency care
- Splinting
- Root canal therapy
- Crowns
- Dental implants
- Future replacement procedures
Even the best dentistry isn’t as good as keeping the original tooth.
Protection matters.
What About Braces?
This is where custom protection becomes even more important.
Athletes with braces have additional risks.
A blow to the mouth can damage:
- Teeth
- Lips
- Cheeks
- Orthodontic brackets
- Orthodontic wires
Specialized mouthguards can help protect both the braces and the surrounding tissues.
The Honest Truth
No mouthguard guarantees that an injury won’t happen.
That’s not how sports work.
Kids fall.
Kids collide.
Accidents happen.
The goal isn’t perfection.
The goal is reducing risk.
And reducing the severity of injuries when they occur.
When Parents Should Consider a Custom Mouthguard
A custom athletic mouthguard is particularly worth considering if:
- Your child plays competitive sports
- They participate year-round
- They wear braces
- They have already experienced dental trauma
- They dislike wearing store-bought mouthguards
- They play sports with frequent player-to-player contact
The more exposure to impact, the more valuable proper protection becomes.
The Bottom Line
Parents spend a lot of time protecting their children.
Seat belts.
Helmets.
Pads.
Car seats.
Sunscreen.
Athletic mouthguards belong on that list.
At Monahan Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Thomas Monahan helps athletes throughout Burlington, Graham, Mebane, Elon, and Alamance County protect their smiles with custom-fitted mouthguards designed for comfort, durability, and real-world performance. Because replacing a mouthguard is easy. Replacing a permanent tooth is not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are custom mouthguards better than store-bought mouthguards?
Generally, yes. Custom mouthguards offer a more precise fit and are often more comfortable to wear.
What sports require mouthguards?
Requirements vary by league, but many dental injuries occur in football, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, wrestling, hockey, and martial arts.
Can my child wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes. In fact, mouthguards are often especially important for athletes wearing braces.
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
That depends on growth, wear, and athletic activity. Growing children often require updates as their teeth develop.
Is a custom mouthguard worth the extra cost?
For many families, preventing even one significant dental injury can justify the investment many times over.
