Hockey Mouthguards for Kids in Markham: Boil-and-Bite vs Custom (and Which One Your Child Actually Needs)
It’s 6:45 a.m., the bag is packed, and your child is already half-dressed for practice. Then comes the question every hockey parent knows: “Where’s my mouthguard?” It’s chewed up, too small, or lost somewhere in the back seat.
If your child plays minor hockey in Markham, this happens every season. And it matters, because a mouthguard is one of the cheapest ways to protect a child’s teeth from a puck, a stick, or a fall on the ice.
Why mouthguards matter in hockey
Hockey is fast, and falls, collisions, and high sticks happen even at the house-league level. A knocked-out or fractured front tooth in a child can mean:
- Emergency dental visits and repeated repairs as the child grows
- Pain, infection, or damage to the adult tooth developing underneath
- Time off the ice
Most minor hockey associations require a mouthguard. Check your child’s association for its exact rule, since it can differ by league and age group.
The three types of mouthguards
1. Stock (ready-made)
Cheap and available at any sports store. They are bulky, fit poorly, and kids tend to take them out. We don’t recommend them for hockey.
2. Boil-and-bite
You soften it in hot water, then your child bites into it to shape it. This is the most common choice for parents.
- Cost: usually around $10 to $30, depending on the store
- Pros: affordable, easy to find, better fit than stock
- Cons: the fit is only as good as the molding, and it can loosen over time
3. Custom-fit (made by a dentist)
Made from an impression or scan of your child’s teeth.
- Cost: typically in the low hundreds of dollars, depending on the clinic and material
- Pros: most comfortable, stays in place, doesn’t get in the way of breathing and talking, and kids actually keep wearing it
- Cons: higher upfront cost
Which one should your child get?
Boil-and-bite is usually fine if:
- Your child plays house league or is just starting out
- Your child is young and growing quickly, with many baby teeth still to lose
- You need an affordable option for the season
Choose custom-fit if:
- Your child has braces or another orthodontic appliance, since a regular guard can damage the braces and the mouth
- Your child plays competitive or rep hockey
- Your child has had a dental injury before
- Your child finds the boil-and-bite uncomfortable and keeps taking it out
Common mistakes parents make
- Buying it too big “to grow into.” A loose guard doesn’t protect.
- Not replacing it. As baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in, the guard stops fitting. Check it every season, and any time your child loses a tooth.
- Letting your child chew on it. A chewed guard has weak spots and should be replaced.
- Skipping the cleaning. Rinse it after every use, brush it gently, and store it in a ventilated case, not loose in the hockey bag.
- Leaving it in a hot car. Heat can warp it.
What to do if your child’s tooth is knocked out on the ice
Even with a mouthguard, accidents happen. In the first hour:
- Stay calm and find the tooth.
- If it’s an adult tooth, hold it by the crown (the white part), not the root. Rinse it gently with milk or water without scrubbing.
- Try to place it back in the socket, or keep it in milk. Don’t let it dry out.
- See a dentist immediately.
If it’s a baby tooth, do not put it back in. Still get your child checked.
Where to get a custom mouthguard near Markham Road
Armadale Dental is at 7720 Markham Road, Unit A4, Markham. We’re open until 8 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturdays, so you can book around school and practice schedules.
Call us at 647-695-1779 or book an appointment online to ask about a custom mouthguard for your child.
Frequently asked questions
How often should my child replace their mouthguard?
Usually once a season, or sooner if it’s damaged, doesn’t fit, or your child has lost teeth or started orthodontic treatment.
Can my child wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes, and they should. Ask your dentist or orthodontist about a guard designed for braces.
Does dental insurance cover custom mouthguards?
Some plans do, depending on the plan. Check with your insurance provider.
Does a mouthguard prevent concussions?
No one can promise that. Mouthguards protect teeth, lips, and the jaw. Follow your league’s rules on helmets and head-injury protocols.