Of all the gear on the youth football checklist, the mouthguard gets the least attention and generates the most unnecessary spending. Parents either grab the cheapest option without thinking about fit, or get talked into a $50 custom-molded option that provides roughly the same protection as a $10 boil-and-bite for the average youth player.
Types of Mouthguards
Stock Mouthguards
These come pre-shaped and are typically $5 or less. They tend to be bulky, can interfere with breathing and communication, and do not stay in place reliably. I do not recommend these for youth tackle football.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
This is the right choice for most youth players. You soften the mouthguard in hot water and bite into it while pliable, creating a custom impression of your son’s teeth. Done correctly, the fit is significantly better than stock options — it stays in place and allows normal breathing. Brands like Shock Doctor and SISU offer excellent boil-and-bite options in the $10 to $20 range. Buy two — they get lost and chewed through.
Custom-Fitted from a Dentist
Provides the best fit and protection. For youth players without special dental considerations, the additional protection compared to a properly fitted boil-and-bite is modest and rarely worth the $100 to $300 cost. Exception: if your son wears braces, a custom-fitted orthodontic mouthguard is worth considering — standard boil-and-bite options can damage brackets.
How to Fit a Boil-and-Bite Correctly
- Boil water, remove from heat, and let sit 30 seconds before submerging the mouthguard
- Submerge for the time specified in the instructions — typically 30 to 60 seconds — until pliable
- Remove, shake off excess water, and center over the upper teeth
- Bite firmly and use fingers and tongue to press against teeth and gums
- Hold 30 seconds, then place in cold water to set the shape
- The finished mouthguard should stay in place without being held, and your son should be able to speak clearly
When to Replace
Replace a mouthguard at the start of each season regardless of condition — they are inexpensive enough that there is no reason to carry over a year-old mouthguard. Replace immediately if the surface shows cracks, tears, or if the fit has loosened enough that it does not stay in place reliably. A loose mouthguard does not protect — it just creates a false sense of security.