By West Albany Dental
Every sports season, young athletes in Albany hit the field, court, or mat ready to compete. Most parents remember the helmet and shin guards. Far fewer remember the mouthguard — and the ones that do often grab a cheap boil-and-bite at the pharmacy. Understanding why generic mouthguards fail young athletes and custom ones don’t is one of the most important things Albany families can learn about protecting their kids’ smiles. Dr. Hannah Glazunov and the team at West Albany Dental want every local athlete to finish the season with all their teeth intact.
The Real Risk: Dental Injuries in Youth Sports
Dental injuries are among the most common sports injuries in children and teens. Studies show that athletes without mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental trauma than those wearing one. That’s not a small number — it’s an enormous gap in protection.
A single knocked-out tooth can require years of follow-up treatment. Cracked or fractured teeth often need crowns, root canals, or even implants later in life. The financial and emotional cost of a preventable dental injury is significant.
Contact sports like football and basketball get the most attention. But dental injuries also occur frequently in soccer, wrestling, gymnastics, and baseball. Any activity with the risk of collision or a fall puts teeth in danger.
Why Generic Mouthguards Fail Young Athletes in Albany
Walk into any sporting goods store and you’ll find boil-and-bite mouthguards for just a few dollars. They seem like a practical solution. In reality, they fall short in several critical ways.
Generic mouthguards are manufactured to fit no one in particular. A child bites into softened material and tries to mold it to their teeth. The result is rarely a precise fit. Loose-fitting guards shift during impact — and a guard that moves doesn’t protect.
Poor fit also creates real problems during play. Kids find them uncomfortable and difficult to breathe through. Many young athletes simply remove them mid-game. A mouthguard sitting in a bag on the sideline protects nobody.
Here is a quick summary of the most common problems with store-bought mouthguards:
- They don’t conform accurately to individual tooth and jaw shape
- They bulk up and restrict normal breathing and speaking
- They don’t stay in place during high-impact contact
- They wear down and lose shape quickly — often within one season
- They provide minimal protection for the jaw joint and surrounding structures
What Custom Mouthguards Actually Do Differently
A custom mouthguard starts with a precise impression of your child’s teeth. Dr. Glazunov takes accurate dental molds right here at West Albany Dental. A dental lab then fabricates a guard built exactly for that mouth — no guesswork, no approximation.
The result is a snug, stable fit that stays in place during impact. It covers the teeth fully and distributes force evenly across the surface. This dramatically reduces the risk of chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth.
Custom guards are also thinner and more comfortable. Kids are far more likely to actually wear them throughout the game. Consistent wear is the only way a mouthguard works.
The benefits of choosing a custom-fitted mouthguard include:
- Precise fit that doesn’t shift on impact
- Better protection for teeth, gums, lips, and jaw joints
- Easier breathing and natural speech during play
- Durable materials that last through full seasons
- Adjustable as a child’s mouth grows and teeth change
When a Dental Injury Happens Anyway: Emergency Care in Albany
Even with the best protection, accidents happen. A hard fall or unexpected collision can still cause dental trauma. Knowing where to turn quickly makes a real difference in the outcome.
If your child suffers a knocked-out or broken tooth during a game, time matters. A knocked-out permanent tooth has the best chance of being saved within 30 to 60 minutes. Getting to a dentist fast is critical.
West Albany Dental offers Emergency Dental Care for situations exactly like this. Many parents aren’t sure whether to head to the dentist or the ER after a dental injury. Understanding the difference between an Emergency Dentist Vs Emergency Room can help you make the right call in a stressful moment.
In most dental trauma cases, a dentist is the right first call. ERs can address bleeding and swelling but typically cannot replant teeth or perform restorative dental work on the spot.
Getting a Custom Mouthguard at West Albany Dental
The process of getting a custom mouthguard is simple and fast. Dr. Glazunov will take a quick impression of your child’s teeth at their appointment. That impression goes to a professional dental lab that creates the finished guard.
Most families pick up the completed mouthguard within one to two weeks. Dr. Glazunov checks the fit and makes any adjustments needed. The whole process takes just two short visits.
Custom guards should be replaced as a child grows and their mouth changes. Children in active orthodontic treatment may need periodic updates. It’s a good idea to bring the mouthguard to regular checkups so Dr. Glazunov can assess the fit.
West Albany Dental serves young athletes and families across the Albany, OR area. Whether your child plays on a local league team or competes at a higher level, their smile deserves real protection — not a generic piece of plastic that won’t stay put.
Conclusion: Protect Your Young Athlete’s Smile This Season
Understanding why generic mouthguards fail young athletes — and why custom ones don’t — comes down to fit, comfort, and consistent wear. Store-bought options are better than nothing, but they leave far too much to chance. A professionally fitted mouthguard from Dr. Hannah Glazunov at West Albany Dental gives your child the real protection their sport demands. Book Now to schedule your appointment with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should a child start wearing a mouthguard for sports?
Children should wear a mouthguard as soon as they begin participating in contact or collision sports. This typically starts around age five or six for organized activities. Both baby teeth and permanent teeth can be seriously injured during sports, so protection matters at every age.
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
A well-made custom mouthguard typically lasts one to two full sports seasons with proper care. Children who are still growing may need more frequent replacements as their jaw and teeth change. Dr. Glazunov can assess your child’s guard at regular checkups and recommend when an update is needed.
Can my child wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes — in fact, mouthguards are especially important for children in orthodontic treatment. A custom guard can be designed to accommodate braces and protect both the brackets and the surrounding soft tissue. Over-the-counter guards often don’t fit well over braces and may damage orthodontic hardware.
What sports require a mouthguard beyond football?
Mouthguards are recommended for any sport involving physical contact or a risk of falls. This includes basketball, soccer, wrestling, martial arts, gymnastics, hockey, and baseball. Many dental and sports medicine organizations recommend mouthguards for all youth athletes regardless of sport type.
What should I do if my child’s tooth gets knocked out during a game?
Pick up the tooth by the crown — never the root — and rinse it gently with clean water. Try to reinsert it into the socket if possible, or store it in milk to keep it viable. Get to a dental office offering emergency care as quickly as possible, ideally within 30 to 60 minutes, for the best chance of saving the tooth.
