Replacing a Mouthguard

Why teens go through guards faster than adults

Adults often keep a well-fitted guard for a long stretch. Teens are different because their mouths are still changing. Baby teeth fall out, permanent teeth settle in, and the jaw grows, all of which can alter how a guard sits.

Teens also chew on guards out of nervous habit, leave them in hot bags and drop them in locker rooms. That combination of growth and rough handling means a guard that fit perfectly last year may not be doing its job now, so a yearly look is a sensible default.

Wear and damage to look for

Hold the guard up to the light and look at the biting surfaces. Thin patches, small holes, teeth marks that have worn through, and cracks along the edges are clear reasons to replace it. A guard that has thinned out gives less cushioning over the teeth.

Feel matters as much as appearance. If the guard slides around, needs the teen to clamp down to stay in place, or leaves sore spots on the gums, it is no longer a good fit. A rough or sticky texture that does not improve with cleaning also counts.

• Cracks, holes or bite-through spots
• Thin or flattened biting surface
• Loose fit or rubbing on the gums
• Warped shape after heat exposure
• Lingering smell or film after washing

When does a change in the mouth mean a new guard?

Certain events almost always call for a fresh fit. Getting braces, having them adjusted significantly or taking them off changes tooth positions, and a guard made for the old arrangement can press unevenly. The same goes for losing or gaining teeth, or a noticeable growth spurt.

If your teen has just had orthodontic work, ask the orthodontist whether the current guard still works or whether a new one should be fitted. Do not assume a boiled-and-bitten guard can simply be re-molded, because the material may not tolerate repeated heating.

After a hard hit

A guard that took a direct blow has done its job once, and it may be damaged in ways that are hard to see. Check it carefully for cracks or distortion before the next game, and replace it if anything looks off.

The mouth deserves the same attention. If your teen had a knock to the face and has pain, a loose or chipped tooth, bleeding that does not stop or swelling, see a dentist or doctor promptly rather than waiting for the next checkup.

A simple replacement plan

Pick a fixed moment, such as the week before the season starts, to inspect the guard together with your teen. Fit it in the mouth, run through the wear checklist and decide on the spot whether it stays or goes. Having a spare on hand avoids the temptation to play without one while waiting.

Mention the guard at dental visits too. The dental team can see whether tooth changes are coming and advise on whether a stock, boil-and-bite or custom replacement suits the next stage, which saves buying the wrong type twice.

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