Auskick Mouthguards: Fit, Safety, and Growth Tips

Junior footy is fast, physical, and (most importantly) fun. It is also a time when dental injuries can happen, especially when children are learning new skills and confidence grows each season. A well-fitting mouthguard is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of broken teeth and soft-tissue injuries to lips and cheeks during contact and collisions.

For families in Marden and greater Adelaide, this guide explains how mouthguards work, what “good fit” actually means for growing mouths, and how to choose and care for a mouthguard through the Auskick years and beyond.

Why mouthguards matter in Auskick and junior AFL

Teeth and jaws can be injured by accidental elbows, falls, and contact with the ground or other players. In children, there is an added layer: many are in mixed dentition (a combination of baby teeth and adult teeth), so the mouth is changing quickly. That means a mouthguard needs to do two jobs:

• Provide protection during impact (teeth, gums, lips, and cheeks).
• Maintain comfort and retention as teeth erupt and the bite changes.

A mouthguard that is uncomfortable, hard to breathe with, or falls out is less likely to be worn consistently. Consistent wearing is a key part of real-world protection.

Boil-and-bite vs custom mouthguards: practical differences

Parents often start by comparing store-bought mouthguards with custom mouthguards. Both can be found commonly in Adelaide, but they are not identical in fit or function.

Feature	Boil-and-bite (over-the-counter)	Custom mouthguard (dentally fitted)
Fit and retention	Varies; may feel bulky or loose	Designed to fit the child's teeth and bite
Breathing and speech	Can be harder if bulky or poorly moulded	Often easier due to tailored thickness and contour
Comfort	May rub or trigger gagging in some children	Usually improved comfort when fitted well
Durability	Can wear or distort sooner	Material and fit can support longer use, but growth still matters
Best use-case	Short-term or occasional use	Regular training and match play, especially for keen players

Some families choose boil-and-bite early, then upgrade when their child is training weekly, entering more physical leagues, or finding that a store mouthguard is not staying in place.

What a “good fit” looks like (parent checklist)

Use this quick checklist at home before the season starts:

1. Stays in place: With the mouth slightly open, it should not drop out easily.
2. Does not need constant biting to hold: A child should be able to relax the jaw.
3. Comfortable breathing: The child should be able to breathe through the mouthguard without distress.
4. No sharp edges: Look for rubbing spots on the lips and cheeks after a training session.
5. Not too bulky: Excess bulk can affect speech and willingness to wear it.
6. Covers the teeth well: It should protect the teeth that need protection, without obstructing eruption of new teeth.

If any of these fail, it is worth reassessing the mouthguard choice. Fit issues are one of the biggest reasons kids stop wearing mouthguards.

Mixed dentition: the mouthguard challenge between ages 6 and 12

Many Auskick players are in the stage where adult incisors and first molars have erupted, while other teeth are still changing. During this period, a mouthguard can become loose faster than parents expect.

Signs a mouthguard may need review include:

• It suddenly feels tight in one area after a new tooth erupts.
• It becomes easier to pull off or falls out during play.
• New rubbing spots appear.
• The child starts complaining of soreness, especially around erupting molars.

Growth and tooth eruption are normal, but the mouthguard must continue to fit properly for safety and comfort.

Mouthguards and braces: what parents should know

Some children start orthodontic treatment during junior sport years. A mouthguard is still relevant, but the approach may change. Key points to discuss with a dental professional include:

• Room for change: Teeth move during orthodontics, so mouthguard fit can change over time.
• Comfort around brackets: A suitable mouthguard can reduce rubbing and soft-tissue injury risk.
• Replacement timing: Mouthguards may need more frequent review during active tooth movement.

Because every orthodontic case is different, advice is generally tailored after an oral assessment.

Care, cleaning, and storage: make it last (and keep it hygienic)

A mouthguard is in contact with saliva and can pick up bacteria and fungi if it is not cleaned and dried properly. A simple routine is usually enough:

• Rinse after use: Cool water rinse immediately after training and games.
• Brush gently: Use a soft toothbrush (no aggressive scrubbing) and mild soap if advised. Avoid hot water, which can warp some materials.
• Air-dry fully: Dry before storing to reduce odour and microbial build-up.
• Use a ventilated container: Avoid sealed, wet storage.
• Keep away from heat: Car dashboards and sunny windows can distort mouthguards.

If a mouthguard develops cracks, sharp edges, or persistent odour despite cleaning, it may be time for replacement or professional review.

What to do if a dental injury happens during footy

Even with a mouthguard, accidents can happen. If a tooth is chipped, displaced, or knocked out, timely advice matters.

• For bleeding or facial injury: Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze and seek urgent care if bleeding does not stop.
• If an adult tooth is knocked out: Handle it by the crown (not the root), and seek urgent dental advice. If safe, the tooth may be placed in milk or saliva to help protect it during transport. Do not scrub the root.
• If a baby tooth is knocked out: The approach can be different. Prompt assessment is still recommended.

If there is head trauma, vomiting, confusion, or loss of consciousness, emergency medical assessment is recommended.

When a custom mouthguard may be worth considering

Custom mouthguards are part of preventive care for many young athletes, particularly when training intensity increases or when a child finds store mouthguards uncomfortable. Dentistry 32's Children's Dentistry service includes preventive options and guidance for growing smiles, including custom sports mouthguards. For parents searching specifically for Auskick mouthguards Adelaide, the goal is a fit that supports comfort, breathing, and continued use through the season.

FAQs

At what age should a child start wearing a mouthguard for AFL or Auskick?

Many children benefit from a mouthguard as soon as contact and accidental collisions are possible in their sport. Club policies and the style of play can influence timing. A practical rule is to start early so wearing it becomes routine, then keep reviewing fit as teeth change.

How often should a child's mouthguard be replaced?

There is no one schedule that suits every child. Replacement is commonly considered when the mouthguard no longer fits well, becomes loose, shows wear, or when significant tooth eruption or orthodontic changes occur. Regular checks help avoid “quiet” fit drift across a season.

Can kids talk and breathe properly with a mouthguard?

A well-fitting mouthguard should allow comfortable breathing. Speech may still sound different, but it should not cause distress or gagging. If a child avoids wearing it because it is bulky or uncomfortable, reassessment is recommended.

Does a mouthguard prevent concussion?

Mouthguards are primarily designed to reduce dental and soft-tissue injuries. Research is ongoing regarding concussion, and outcomes can vary. A mouthguard should be viewed as one part of a broader safety approach that includes rules, coaching, and appropriate protective equipment.

Is a mouthguard still needed if a child has only baby teeth?

Yes, injuries to baby teeth and the mouth can still occur. Protecting baby teeth helps with comfort, eating, speech, and space for adult teeth. The best option depends on age, sport intensity, and fit.

A simple pre-season checklist for Adelaide parents

• Do a quick fit test 1 to 2 weeks before round 1.
• Label the container and teach the “rinse, dry, store” routine.
• Re-check fit after any noticeable tooth eruption or orthodontic change.
• Pack the container in the sports bag the night before (kids forget less when it is routine).

General information disclaimer: This article is for general education only and does not replace an individual dental assessment, diagnosis, or treatment plan. Mouthguard suitability and injury advice can differ based on age, dentition stage, medical history, and the type of sport. If a dental injury or urgent concern occurs, seek prompt dental or medical care.

If a personalised plan would be helpful, an appointment with a dental practitioner can be arranged through the Dentistry 32 website.