Watching your child run onto the pitch for school rugby or hockey practice brings such pride, but it also comes with that little knot of worry in your stomach. Are they protected? Will they be safe? If you're feeling uncertain about mouthguards, you're not alone. Many parents aren't sure where to start, what to look for, or whether they're making the right choice.
The good news? You're already doing the right thing by being here. Protecting your child's teeth doesn't have to be complicated or stressful, and with the right information, you can feel completely confident in your decision. Let's walk through everything you need to know about buying a mouthguard for kids.
Do kids need a mouthguard for school sports in the UK?
Absolutely, yes. Mouthguards are essential safety equipment for contact and collision sports, just like shin pads or a helmet. They're designed to help protect your child's teeth, gums, lips and jaw from impact injuries that can happen during play.
The thing is, accidents happen even in supervised, well-organised school sports. A stray elbow, an accidental collision, or a fall can result in chipped, broken or knocked-out teeth, injuries that are painful, costly to repair, and sometimes permanent. A properly fitted mouthguard acts as a protective barrier, cushioning the impact and significantly reducing the risk of dental injuries.
Which school sports in the UK require a mouthguard?
Rugby is the big one. At school level, mouthguards are strongly recommended for all forms of rugby - touch, tag, and full-contact. The physical nature of the game means dental injuries are a real risk without proper protection.
Hockey is the other key sport where mouthguards are strongly recommended and often required by schools and governing bodies. Whether your child plays on grass or astroturf, sticks and balls move fast, and mouths are vulnerable.
Beyond school sports, many local clubs also require mouthguards. If your child trains in boxing, kickboxing, martial arts or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), a mouthguard will be on the essential kit list. These sports involve controlled contact, but protection is non-negotiable.
What happens if a child plays without a mouthguard?
Without a mouthguard, your child's teeth are exposed to direct impact. Dental injuries can range from minor chips to fractured teeth, knocked-out teeth, or even damage to the jaw. These injuries aren't just painful in the moment, they can require emergency dental treatment, ongoing procedures, and in some cases, permanent dental work that lasts into adulthood.
Beyond the physical side, there's the emotional impact too. A dental injury can knock a child's confidence and make them anxious about returning to the sport they love. The simple truth is that a mouthguard is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to protect your child and give you both peace of mind.
What is the best mouthguard for kids in the UK?
When you start looking, you'll quickly realise there are quite a few options out there. The key is understanding that not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection or comfort and for kids, both matter.
What type of mouthguard is safest for children?
There are three main types of mouthguards: stock mouthguards (pre-formed, ready to wear), boil-and-bite mouthguards (you heat them and bite down to mould), and custom-fit mouthguards (made specifically for your child's mouth).
For children, the safest option is one that fits properly, stays in place during play, and doesn't compromise their ability to breathe or communicate. That's where custom-fit technology makes all the difference. A mouthguard that's tailored to your child's unique mouth shape offers the best protection because it doesn't shift around, provides even coverage, and moulds to their teeth and gums securely.
What is an Instant Custom-Fit mouthguard?
This is where things get really reassuring. Instant Custom-Fit technology gives your child dentist-level protection that you can fit at home in minutes. It's the middle ground between boil-and-bite and expensive dentist visits, offering professional-grade fit and protection without the hassle or high cost.
OPRO's Instant Custom-Fit mouthguards use a unique fitting process that moulds precisely to your child's teeth and gums, creating a secure, comfortable fit that doesn't slip or feel bulky. The result? Your child can breathe easily, speak clearly, and stay focused on the game, not on their mouthguard.
How does Instant Custom-Fit compare to dentist-made mouthguards?
Traditionally, the gold standard for mouthguard fit has been a custom mouthguard made by a dentist, involving impressions, lab work, and multiple appointments. Instant Custom-Fit delivers comparable protection and precision, but you can do it yourself at home in minutes.
The technology was developed by Dr Anthony Lovat, a dentist who founded OPRO over 30 years ago. That dental expertise is built into every mouthguard. You're not buying from a generic sports brand, you're getting a product designed by someone who understands teeth, protection, and what children need. Only the best for your kids.
How to fit a mouthguard for kids at home
If you've never fitted a mouthguard before, don't worry. OPRO's Instant Custom-Fit process is genuinely straightforward, and you don't need any special equipment.
How long does it take to fit an Instant Custom-Fit mouthguard?
The fitting takes just a few minutes and is easier than most parents expect. You simply warm the mouthguard in hot water, let it cool slightly, then help your child bite down to create their own personalised mould. Every pack includes clear, step-by-step instructions, and if you’d like a quick visual walkthrough first, the Instant Custom-Fit fitting videos guide you through it from start to finish. If you need any further assistance, our team is always happy to talk you through the process step by step.
What if the mouthguard doesn't fit properly?
This is probably the biggest worry for parents, what if I mess up the fitting? What if it doesn't work?
OPRO Precision Fit Guarantee explained for parents
OPRO offers a Precision Fit Guarantee that acts as a complete safety net. If you don't get a great fit the first time, you can reach out to OPRO's support team. They'll guide you through refitting, troubleshoot any issues, and make sure you feel confident.
If, after all that support, you're still not happy with the fit, OPRO will give you a full refund. No hassle, no questions. That's how confident they are in the product and how seriously they take your peace of mind.
Are OPRO mouthguards safe for kids?
Absolutely. Safety isn't just a box-ticking exercise at OPRO, it's built into the DNA of the company.
Dentist-founded protection: why that matters for your child
OPRO was founded by Dr Anthony Lovat, a dentist with years of experience in dental protection. That's not a minor detail, it's fundamental. When you choose OPRO, you're choosing a brand that was created specifically to protect teeth, by someone who deeply understands how to do that properly.
This isn't a sports brand that added mouthguards to their product line. This is a dental protection company that happens to work with elite athletes. Only the best for your kids.
Trusted by 600+ UK schools and England Rugby
OPRO supplies mouthguards to over 600 UK schools and clubs, which tells you everything you need to know about reliability and trust. Schools don't choose suppliers lightly, they need products that work, that are safe, and that parents can rely on.
On top of that, OPRO is the Official Mouthguard Partner of England Rugby. That includes elite players like World Cup Winner Sadia Kabeya, an OPRO ambassador who started out playing school rugby, just like your child. Her journey from school pitches to representing England is proof that proper protection matters at every level and that OPRO supports athletes from grassroots all the way to the top.
OPRO's Dental Warranty
OPRO Instant Custom-Fit mouthguards come with a free 12-month Dental Warranty worth up to £20,000, giving you extra peace of mind from day one. In the unlikely event that your child’s teeth are damaged during sport while wearing their OPRO mouthguard, the warranty covers eligible dental treatment costs up to £20,000, a reassuring safety net on top of the protection in their mouth.
If you buy from opro.com, your child is automatically covered (just keep your order confirmation). If you buy elsewhere, you can register it afterwards to activate the same cover. For more information see OPRO’s Dental Warranty
What size mouthguard does my child need?
Getting the right size is important for comfort and protection.
Mouthguard size guide: under 10 vs 10+
OPRO offers two youth sizes to match your child's age and mouth size:
- Under 10: Designed for younger children with smaller mouths
- Age 10+: Suitable for older children and teenagers
These size categories make it easy to choose the right fit without guessing or measuring. If your child is right on the boundary, OPRO's support team can help you decide.
When should you replace a kids' mouthguard?
You should replace your child's mouthguard if you notice any visible damage cracks, tears, or worn-down areas. These compromise the protection it offers.
You'll also want to replace it if your child has a significant growth spurt and the fit no longer feels secure. As a general rule, many parents refresh their child's mouthguard at the start of each new sports season to ensure maximum protection.
Mouthguards and braces: what parents should know
If your child has braces, you might be worried that they can't wear a mouthguard or that they'll have to skip sports altogether. Not true.
Can children with fixed braces wear a mouthguard?
Yes, absolutely. Braces make teeth and braces vulnerable to damage during contact sports, and a proper mouthguard protects both.
How OPRO braces mouthguards protect teeth and brackets
OPRO makes Instant Custom-Fit mouthguards specifically designed for fixed braces. They mould around the brackets and wires, providing full protection without causing discomfort or damage to the orthodontic work.
It's a simple, reassuring solution that means your child can keep playing the sports they love, even while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Where to buy a kids' mouthguard in the UK
You can find mouthguards in sports shops, online retailers, and directly from OPRO's website. But knowing where to buy is only part of the equation, you need to know what to look for.
What to look for when buying a mouthguard for school
Focus on fit, protection, and guarantees. A mouthguard should mould properly to your child's teeth, offer reliable protection during play, and come with support if something goes wrong.
Avoid generic options that don't offer custom fit or any kind of reassurance. Your child's safety is worth investing in properly.
Why parents choose OPRO Instant Custom-Fit
Parents choose OPRO because it removes the uncertainty. You get dentist-level protection, a fit you can trust, support when you need it, and guarantees that give you complete peace of mind. It's the difference between "I think this will be okay" and "I know my child is protected."
Final checklist for parents buying a mouthguard
You've made it through the detail now let's bring it all together.
Quick recap: safest choice for school sport
The safest mouthguard for kids in the UK is one that fits properly, stays in place, and offers reliable protection. Instant Custom-Fit technology delivers all three, giving you dentist-quality protection that you can fit at home in minutes.
Peace-of-mind features parents should prioritise
When choosing a mouthguard, prioritise:
- Custom fit: Precision moulding for comfort and protection
- Dentist-led design: Founded by dental professionals who understand what kids need
- Guarantees: Precision Fit Guarantee and dental warranty for total reassurance
- Support: Real help from real people if you need it
- Remouldable fit: Adapts as your child grows
You're doing a brilliant thing by protecting your child properly. With OPRO's Instant Custom-Fit mouthguards, you can feel completely confident that their teeth are in safe hands, whether they're playing school rugby, hockey, or training at their local club. Dentist-founded protection, trusted by schools across the UK, and backed by guarantees that put your peace of mind first. That's the OPRO difference.
