Both my DDs 14 and 12 play basketball for a club and for their schools, and in particular my younger DD is very serious about it.

They don't wear mouthguards, and I haven't seen other kids who do.

My older DD had braces when she was younger because her front teeth jutted out a little and the orthodontist said that if she got knocked, her teeth would get knocked out given the angle.

She's now in braces again.

At one point my younger DD was in a mouth guard but it was for field hockey.

To me, rec is less intense than club...I'm not saying to not do it, but I think it's good that you are seeing info and advice.

As a kid during my middle school years, I was hit in my mouth by a couple of basketballs. I wore braces also and the result was not pretty. I would recommend a mouth guard. Many college and pro players wear them.

He does play and no mouthguard. There are a couple kids who do but no one seems to notice or say anything. I am sure if I asked him to wear one he would, just never really thought about it. I have considered making him wear one for soccer though (he is goalie).

If so, does he wear a mouthguard? My 11 year old has played rec for years and there was 1 kid who wore a mouthguard. He started middle school this year and is playing for his school team now. I'm considering having him wear one. He probably wont like it and I have a feeling not many, if any other kids will be wearing them.