Author Name: Dr. Sandra Thompson
Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Fast-moving activities like hockey, skiing, and snowboarding often involve sudden falls or collisions that send direct force to the mouth. Even a small impact on ice or equipment can chip the edge of a tooth or cause deeper cracks in the enamel. These injuries may lead to long-term sensitivity, weakened teeth, or the need for bonding, crowns, or other treatments.
Knocked-Out Teeth
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most serious dental injuries children face in winter sports. A hit from a hockey stick, a collision on the rink, or an unexpected fall on packed snow can easily dislodge a tooth—especially if the mouth is unprotected. Time is critical in these situations, and wearing a winter sports mouthguard for kids dramatically reduces the chance of losing a tooth during play.
Soft-Tissue Injuries to the Lips, Cheeks, and Tongue
Sharp edges of teeth can cause deep cuts inside the mouth during impact. Kids who play hockey or snowboard without a mouthguard often end up with painful lacerations on their lips, cheek lining, or tongue. A mouthguard acts as a soft barrier, preventing teeth from slicing into delicate tissues and reducing bleeding and swelling.
Jaw Injuries from Hard Impacts
Winter sports come with powerful forces. A sudden collision, a fall on ice, or a hit from equipment can push the jaw backward or sideways, leading to bruising, sprains, or even fractures. A high-quality mouthguard absorbs shock and helps stabilize the jaw, lowering the risk of joint injuries or long-term discomfort.
Damage to Braces or Orthodontic Appliances
Kids with braces face additional risks during winter activities. A direct hit to the mouth can break brackets, bend wires, or cause cuts inside the cheeks. These orthodontic injuries can interfere with treatment progress and cause significant pain. A specially designed orthodontic mouthguard protects both the braces and the soft tissues, ensuring kids can continue playing their favourite winter sports safely.
Provides Cushion Against Falls and Collisions
Winter sports are full of unpredictable movement, high speeds, and hard surfaces. A mouthguard acts as a shock absorber, creating a protective cushion between the teeth and the point of impact. When a child falls on ice or collides with another player, the mouthguard distributes the force more evenly, reducing the severity of the blow and helping prevent injuries to the teeth and jaw.
Reduces the Risk of Tooth Fractures and Tooth Loss
Chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth are among the most common injuries in hockey, skiing, and snowboarding. A winter sports mouthguard for kids helps shield the teeth from direct hits, whether it’s a hockey stick, a ski pole, or a fall on packed snow. This added layer of protection can make the difference between a safe landing and a dental emergency.
Protects Soft Tissues from Painful Cuts
During an impact, the teeth can act like sharp blades inside the mouth. Without a mouthguard, a sudden hit can lead to deep cuts on the lips, cheeks, or tongue. These soft-tissue injuries bleed heavily and can be quite painful. A mouthguard forms a smooth, padded barrier that keeps the teeth from slicing into delicate tissues, significantly reducing the risk of lacerations.
Prevents Serious Jaw Injuries
Hard falls and collisions can cause the jaw to snap shut or shift unnaturally, leading to sprains, strains, or even fractures. A mouthguard helps stabilize the jaw by absorbing impact and preventing excessive movement. This protection is especially important in contact-heavy sports like hockey, where hits to the lower face are common.
Essential for Kids with Braces or Retainers
Children undergoing orthodontic treatment face additional risks during winter sports. Metal brackets and wires can cause severe mouth cuts if a child falls or gets hit in the face. A specialized orthodontic mouthguard is designed to fit comfortably over braces, protecting both the teeth and the appliance. It also helps prevent broken brackets, bent wires, or treatment delays—making it a must-have for kids with braces or retainers.
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards from Pediatric Dentists
Custom mouthguards provide the highest level of protection and comfort. Crafted by a pediatric dentist, these guards are molded to your child’s exact bite and jaw shape. This precise fit makes them easier to wear for long periods and ensures they stay securely in place during fast-paced movements. For high-impact winter sports—especially hockey—custom mouthguards offer the most dependable defense against tooth fractures, cuts, and jaw injuries.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards for a Budget Option
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are a popular mid-range choice for active kids. After heating the guard in hot water, your child bites down to form a semi-custom fit. While they don’t provide the same level of precision as dentist-made guards, they offer solid protection and are much more comfortable than basic store-bought models. They’re ideal for kids who play casual or recreational winter sports and need reliable, affordable protection.
Stock Mouthguards for Temporary Protection
Stock mouthguards are the most accessible and inexpensive option, sold in sporting goods stores and online. However, they come pre-formed and cannot be adjusted to your child’s bite. This can make them bulky, loose, or uncomfortable. While not ideal for regular winter sports participation, stock guards can be useful for short-term or emergency use—especially if your child forgets their custom or boil-and-bite guard at home.
Double-Layer Mouthguards for High-Impact Sports Like Hockey
For sports with the highest collision risk—such as hockey, snowboarding tricks, or competitive skiing—double-layer mouthguards provide extra shock absorption. These feature a firm outer layer to protect against powerful hits and a soft inner layer to cushion the teeth and gums. Kids who play contact-heavy winter sports benefit significantly from the added durability and impact resistance of double-layer protection.
Special Considerations for Orthodontic Patients
Children with braces, retainers, or other orthodontic appliances need specialized mouthguards designed to fit comfortably over metal hardware. These guards provide extra space for brackets and wires while still offering full-mouth protection. They prevent painful cuts, reduce the risk of orthodontic damage during falls, and help ensure treatment stays on track. Orthodontic mouthguards are essential for any child in braces who participates in winter sports.
Proper Fit and Full Coverage
A mouthguard should fit snugly without needing to be constantly adjusted. It must fully cover the upper teeth and provide protection to the gums, lips, and jaw. A well-fitted guard stays in place even during high-speed movement or sudden impacts—making it the most effective option for preventing injuries on ice or snow.
Strong, Shock-Absorbing Material
Winter sports involve powerful forces and hard surfaces, so the material of the mouthguard matters. Look for guards made from high-density, shock-absorbing materials that cushion impacts and protect against fractures, cuts, and jaw injuries. Double-layer or multi-layer mouthguards offer even stronger resistance for high-contact sports like hockey.
Easy Breathing and Speaking
Kids need to communicate clearly and breathe comfortably while skating, snowboarding, or practicing drills. A well-designed mouthguard should allow natural airflow without restricting speech or breathing. Custom and boil-and-bite models typically offer the best balance of protection and functionality.
Comfort in Cold Temperatures
Cold winter air can make some mouthguards stiff or uncomfortable. Choose a guard that maintains flexibility and softness even in lower temperatures. This ensures your child stays protected without feeling discomfort or irritation while playing outdoors or in chilly indoor rinks.
Durable Storage Case for Travel and Snow Trips
Winter activities often involve travel—ski lodges, hockey tournaments, weekend snowboarding trips, or after-school practices. A sturdy, ventilated storage case keeps the mouthguard clean, dry, and protected from damage. It also helps prevent loss, which is common when kids take equipment in and out of bags during winter sports outings.
Rinsing Before and After Each Use
The simplest and most effective habit is rinsing the mouthguard with clean, cool water every time your child puts it in or takes it out. This helps wash away saliva, debris, and bacteria that build up during winter sports. A quick rinse also keeps the guard comfortable and ready for the next use.
Using a Ventilated Case—Not a Closed Container
A ventilated case allows air to circulate, preventing moisture buildup that leads to odor, mold, or bacterial growth. Closed, airtight containers trap moisture and create the perfect environment for harmful germs. Choose a sturdy, ventilated case designed specifically for mouthguards—especially during multi-day travel or cold-weather tournaments.
Avoiding Storage in Extreme Cold (Causes Cracking)
Cold temperatures can make mouthguard material brittle, increasing the risk of cracking or warping. Never leave the mouthguard in places where freezing temperatures are common—such as in a ski bag left outside, the trunk of a car, or a locker near exterior walls. Keeping the guard at room temperature ensures it stays flexible and protective.
Weekly Deep Cleaning with Mild Soap
Even with daily rinsing, mouthguards require a deeper cleaning at least once a week. Use a mild soap and a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the entire surface, removing any buildup of plaque, bacteria, or winter sports grime. Avoid harsh chemicals, alcohol-based cleaners, or hot water, as these can damage the material.
Never Leaving the Mouthguard on Car Dashboards or in Wet Gear Bags
Car dashboards can expose the mouthguard to rapid temperature changes that weaken or warp the material. Wet gear bags—common after snowboarding or hockey—trap moisture and bacteria, leaving the guard smelling unpleasant and potentially unsafe. Always store the mouthguard in its ventilated case and keep it separate from wet gloves, socks, or protective gear.