A sports mouthguard for children and teens provides reliable protection against dental injuries during practice or competition—yet many parents still underestimate its importance. Whether playing indoor basketball, club hockey, or skateboarding on the weekend: Over 30% of all oral and facial injuries in children occur during sports. Many of these injuries can be easily prevented with a custom-fitted mouthguard.

How this type of sports mouthguard is made, why it offers so much more than a standard mouthguard from a sports store—and what parents should know about costs, comfort, and health insurance: You’ll find all this information on this page.

A sports mouthguard is a specially designed plastic splint that covers the upper jaw and acts as a protective cushion between the teeth, lips, and jaw. It absorbs impacts, distributes the force of impacts, and prevents fractures or tooth loss.

Protection is especially important for children and adolescents, since their periodontium is not yet fully developed. A direct blow—such as from an elbow during basketball or a hockey stick—can cause significant damage without protection. A mouthguard has been proven to reduce this risk.

Children are not just little adults—not even when it comes to dental injuries. Studies show that about one in seven children suffers a sports-related dental injury by the age of 15. The permanent incisors, which often erupt as early as age 7 or 8, are particularly at risk.

A knocked-out tooth doesn’t just cause pain for a child—it also has long-term consequences: extensive treatment, repeated dental appointments, and cosmetic procedures that can extend into adulthood. With a custom-fitted sports mouthguard, these risks can be significantly reduced—and your child can focus entirely on the game.

From his daily practice, Dr. Dominik Krüger knows:

“For me, a custom-fitted sports mouthguard isn’t just an extra safety measure—it’s an important part of prevention. Especially for children, it helps us prevent dental injuries that would otherwise have lifelong consequences.”

 

– Dr. Dominik Krüger – Specialist in Orthodontics, State-Certified Physical Therapist

Many parents are familiar with the simple mouthguards sold at sports stores—so-called “boil-and-bite” mouthguards, which are heated in water and then molded to the teeth. They’re inexpensive and readily available. But they have one major drawback: they don’t fit perfectly.

Only a custom-made sports mouthguard from an orthodontist is precisely tailored to your child’s dental arch. At our practice, located near Skyline Plaza and Messe Frankfurt am Main, this is done using a 3D scan—without any impressions. The advantages: The mouthguard stays securely in place even during rapid movements, does not interfere with speaking or breathing, and, based on experience, is therefore worn more consistently.

At our state-of-the-art orthodontic practice in the heart of Frankfurt am Main, right on Europa-Allee, you can easily have a mouthguard custom-made—tailored to your needs and crafted with medical expertise. A special mouthguard designed for braces is particularly important for children who wear fixed braces: It prevents wires or brackets from digging into the gums during an impact and causing injuries inside the mouth.

We’d be happy to advise you on whether a mouthguard for fixed braces or a traditional sports mouthguard is more suitable—and we’ll make sure the solution not only protects you but also fits comfortably. The mouthguard is precisely crafted based on a digital 3D scan—and can also be fitted with additional inserts to meet specific needs if required (e.g., a mouthguard with an insert for extra padding in professional sports).

Dr. Dominik Krüger, a specialist in orthodontics and a state-certified physical therapist, emphasizes:

“Thanks to my additional training as a physical therapist, I always take a holistic approach to sports injuries. A good sports mouthguard not only protects the teeth, but can also prevent the jaw and surrounding structures from being overloaded.”

 

– Dr. Dominik Krüger – Specialist in Orthodontics, State-Certified Physical Therapist

In many sports, a mouthguard is not a luxury but a sensible and often necessary precaution—especially for children and teenagers. In basketball in particular, there are frequent quick changes of direction, close-quarters battles under the basket, and unpredictable collisions. An elbow during a rebound or a collision on defense is enough to cause dental or jaw injuries.

The intensity and dynamism of basketball are particularly evident in regional youth and club sports in the Frankfurt area. The Basketball Club Neu-Isenburg, whose men’s team competes in the 2nd Regional League Southwest, exemplifies this physical and fast-paced style of play. As a partner of the Basketball Club Neu-Isenburg, we know from our direct interactions with coaches and players just how important a custom-fitted sports mouthguard is for young athletes—both in practice and during games. But basketball isn’t the only sport that carries risks. Whenever there is physical contact, rapid movements, or a risk of falling, the risk of injury is increased. This includes, among others, the following sports:

An unexpected elbow during a jump shot, a kick during a tackle, or a header duel—most dental injuries in team sports are not caused by the ball itself, but by collisions with other players. According to studies, facial injuries are particularly common in handball.

In these sports, physical contact is a central component—even during training. Even with protective gear, teeth are constantly at risk. A direct blow to the face without a mouthguard can lead to broken teeth or even complete tooth loss.

In this sport, the risk of injury is further increased by the stick and the hard puck. In youth hockey in particular, lacerations, knocked-out teeth, and jaw fractures are among the most common injuries—a sturdy, custom-fitted mouthguard can effectively prevent these. In addition to requiring helmets, hockey associations and medical professionals recommend wearing a mouthguard to help prevent concussions caused by blows to the jaw.

Falls are almost a daily occurrence here—especially among younger children. Anyone who lands face-first on the asphalt risks not only scrapes but also injuries to the teeth and jaw. Mouthguards have become standard equipment, especially for BMX and stunt riders.

Here, too, the risk of injury should not be underestimated. A fall from a horse, from the parallel bars, or while landing on the mat can have serious consequences for the teeth if proper protection is not worn. In equestrian sports in particular, a mouthguard is increasingly recommended as a supplement to a helmet.

Even outside of organized sports, a sports mouthguard can be a good idea for children—for example, at sports camps, during physical education classes at school, or during competitions as part of school tournaments. Many parents are surprised by how often injuries occur in these situations.

Good to know:

International professional organizations such as the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend wearing a mouthguard during numerous contact sports and sports with a high risk of falls. This also includes sports that are often considered low-risk in German school and club sports. The reality is that a single unprotected impact can have long-term consequences for tooth alignment, the jaw, and self-confidence.

A sports mouthguard can only provide full protection if it is actually worn—and that only happens if it fits comfortably. This is exactly where it differs from basic models sold at sports stores: A custom mouthguard, like the ones made by our orthodontic practice in Frankfurt, is tailored precisely to the shape of your child’s teeth. It fits securely without slipping and does not interfere with breathing or speaking.

Because it’s comfortable to wear, children are more likely to use their mouthguard regularly—both during practice and in competition. Many children also appreciate being able to choose the color of their mouthguard—for example, in their team’s colors or with a glitter effect.

Custom-made mouthguards also offer clear advantages for parents: The mouthguard is made of sturdy, durable material and remains effective for months. If a child’s teeth shift, we can quickly and easily fit a new mouthguard—ensuring long-term safety during sports.

How long a sports mouthguard can be used by children depends primarily on the growth of their teeth and jaw. Since the alignment of teeth in children and adolescents changes regularly, it is not possible to specify a general timeframe for how long it will last. In many cases, a custom-fitted sports mouthguard can be worn for several months or even an entire sports season, provided it continues to fit well and does not cause any pressure points.

In addition to wear and tear, proper care of your sports mouthguard also plays a role in its durability. If you clean your mouthguard regularly after playing sports and store it in a dry place, the material will retain its shape and remain hygienic for longer. Simple, consistent care helps ensure that your sports mouthguard remains comfortable to wear over the long term.

It’s also important to check the fit of the sports mouthguard regularly. The fit can change, especially during the transition to permanent teeth, when teeth are visibly shifting, or as part of orthodontic treatment. A mouthguard that no longer fits snugly provides less protection and is often found to be uncomfortable by children.

At Skyline Orthodontics in Frankfurt, we therefore recommend having your child’s sports mouthguard checked at least once a year. This allows us to determine early on whether an adjustment or a new mouthguard is necessary. This ensures that the mouthguard continues to provide reliable, long-term protection for your child’s teeth and jaw—even as their teeth continue to develop.

A sports mouthguard should be cleaned regularly and easily to maintain hygiene and extend its lifespan. Ideally, it should be cleaned after each use.

After exercising, first rinse the sports mouthguard with lukewarm water to remove saliva and coarse debris. Then, gently clean it with a soft toothbrush and a small amount of mild soap or a neutral cleaning solution. It is important not to use abrasive toothpaste, as it can damage the surface of the material.

After cleaning, the sports mouthguard should be thoroughly rinsed with clean water and allowed to air dry completely. A ventilated storage box is ideal for storage, as it protects the mouthguard from contamination while allowing moisture to escape.

Cleaning with hot water, in a dishwasher, or with disinfectants is not recommended, as this can cause the material to warp or become damaged. Occasional boiling is also not suitable for sports mouthguards. Regular, gentle cleaning ensures that the sports mouthguard remains hygienic, is comfortable to wear, and continues to provide protection over the long term.

The cost of a custom-made mouthguard from a dentist depends on several factors. Key factors include the material used, the complexity of the fabrication process, and any special requirements—for example, if your child wears fixed braces or is still in the process of growing into their permanent teeth.

Since it is a personal protective measure, a sports mouthguard is generally not a standard benefit covered by public health insurance plans. However, some health insurance providers offer subsidies as part of bonus programs or preventive care benefits. Private health insurance plans or supplemental dental insurance may cover the costs in part or in full—depending on the specific plan.

At Skyline Orthodontics in Frankfurt, we provide you with transparent information about the expected costs and are happy to help you check with your health insurance provider regarding potential reimbursement. This allows you to keep track of the costs and make an informed decision about your child’s dental health.

A sports mouthguard only provides reliable protection if it’s actually worn. That’s why at Skyline Orthodontics in Frankfurt am Main, we place great emphasis on a precise fit, high comfort, and a pleasant wearing experience. The custom-fitted mouthguard sits securely, allows for easy breathing and speaking—and children much prefer wearing it to simple, off-the-shelf models. Color options are available upon request to add extra fun and motivation.

Our practice is centrally located in Frankfurt am Main’s Europaviertel—right next to Skyline Plaza, just a few minutes from the “Frankfurt Messe” S-Bahn station. We specialize in orthodontic care for children and adolescents—with a strong commitment to quality, technology, and warmth.

We’re happy to take the time to answer your questions. Schedule your appointment—by phone at 069 48002777 or directly online. We look forward to seeing you at Skyline Orthodontics in Frankfurt am Main.