Dental Tips |10 min read

Mouthguards and Sports Injuries: Protecting Your Young Athlete’s Smile

by Dr. Greg Ayers

boy using mouthguard

Table of Contents

Key Points

  • Most sports-related dental injuries are preventable, and a properly fitted mouthguard is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce both the frequency and severity of injury to a young athlete’s teeth and mouth.
  • Custom-fitted mouthguards made by a pediatric dentist offer the best combination of fit, comfort, and protection, particularly for children with braces or rapidly changing teeth.
  • Knowing the right sports injuries treatment steps, especially for a knocked-out permanent tooth, can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth—which makes prompt professional dental care essential.

Youth athletics offer children many benefits, from physical fitness and coordination to teamwork and discipline. Yet participation in organized and recreational sports also carries a measurable risk of injury to the face and mouth. Dental trauma can happen in almost any sport (although some are more likely than others), and affect athletes of all ages, genders, and skill levels.1

The good news for parents is that the majority of these injuries can be prevented. A properly fitted mouthguard remains one of the simplest and most effective tools for reducing the incidence and severity of sports injuries to the teeth and soft tissues.

At iGrin, a pediatric dentist office in Boiling Springs, SC, we partner with families throughout the season to protect young smiles before, during, and after play. This guide explains how dental sports injuries occur, how mouthguards help prevent them, and what to do if an injury happens.

Why Young Athletes Face a Heightened Risk

Children and adolescents are particularly susceptible to dental trauma during sports for several reasons. Growing mouths, mixed dentition (a combination of baby and permanent teeth), and still-developing coordination all contribute to vulnerability on the field or court. The upper jaw is particularly susceptible to impact. Research indicates that upwards of 90 percent of sports dental injuries involve the maxillary incisors (four front teeth of the upper jaw), because they are most exposed during a fall or collision.2

It is also a common misconception that only collision sports pose a threat. While contact sports like football, hockey, and lacrosse carry obvious risks, dental injuries can still occur in limited-contact and non-contact activities, including gymnastics, skating, and basketball. Any activity that involves speed, elevation, equipment, or close proximity to other participants can result in a blow to the face.

Compliance is an additional barrier. Even though awareness of the effectiveness of mouthguards is generally high, and even in situations where a coach or parents ask players to use mouthguards, many do not. A major factor in this dynamic is whether or not teammates wear mouthguards.3

Common Sports Injuries to the Teeth and Mouth

A blow to the face can affect the teeth, the supporting bone, and the surrounding soft tissue. The most frequently reported dental sports injuries include:

  • Soft tissue lacerations to the lips, cheeks, and tongue, which are among the most common injuries in athletics.
  • Crown fractures, in which part of the visible tooth chips or breaks. These are the most common type of injury to permanent teeth.
  • Luxation injuries, in which a tooth is loosened, pushed out of position, or displaced within its socket.
  • Avulsion, the complete displacement of a tooth from its socket, which is a true dental emergency.
  • Jaw injuries, including fractures, which can result from significant facial impact.

It is worth emphasizing that no device eliminates risk entirely. Even when a mouthguard is worn correctly, injuries can still occur. The purpose of protection is to reduce both the likelihood and the severity of harm.

How Mouthguards Help Prevent Sports Injuries

A mouthguard works by cushioning and redistributing the force of a blow across a surface, rather than allowing that force to concentrate on individual teeth or soft tissue. The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes the value of properly fitted mouthguards and recommends their use during any athletic or recreational activity that carries a risk of dental trauma.4 A quality mouthguard helps to:

  • Protect the teeth from fractures, displacement, and avulsion.
  • Shield the lips, cheeks, and tongue from cuts caused by contact with the teeth.
  • Cushion the jaw against impact.
  • Reduce the likelihood of costly and time-consuming sports injuries treatment down the road.

According to the ADA, an effective mouthguard should be comfortable, resilient, tear-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. It should fit securely without restricting speech or breathing. Just as important, the modest cost of prevention compares favorably with the expense and complexity of treating a serious dental injury.

Choosing the Right Mouthguard

Not all mouthguards provide the same level of protection. Families generally choose among three categories:mouthguard

  • Stock mouthguards: Pre-formed and ready to wear, these are the least expensive option. However, they tend to be bulky, fit loosely, and can interfere with breathing and speech, which limits both protection and compliance.
  • Boil-and-bite mouthguards: Made from a thermoplastic material, these are softened in hot water and then molded around the teeth. Widely available at sporting goods stores, they offer a better fit than stock guards and represent a reasonable middle-ground choice.
  • Custom-fitted mouthguards: Fabricated by a dentist from a precise mold of your child’s teeth, custom guards deliver the best combination of fit, comfort, and protection. Studies comparing custom and over-the-counter guards have associated custom devices with lower injury rates. They are especially valuable for children with braces or quickly changing teeth.

For young athletes whose mouths are still developing, a professionally made guard from a pediatric dentist can be re-evaluated and updated as teeth shift and erupt, ensuring the fit remains protective season after season.

When Should Your Child Wear a Mouthguard?

National athletic organizations require mouthguard use in certain sports such as football, lacrosse, and ice and field hockey. Protection should not stop at mandated sports, however. We recommend a mouthguard for any activity that places the face at risk, including:

  • Football, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, and wrestling
  • Basketball, soccer, and baseball or softball
  • Gymnastics, skateboarding, and skating
  • Mountain biking and other high-velocity recreational activities

A mouthguard should be worn during both practices and games, since a large share of injuries occur during routine training rather than competition.

Caring for Your Child’s Mouthguard

A well-maintained mouthguard lasts longer and stays more hygienic. The ADA offers straightforward care guidance:

  • Rinse the mouthguard before and after each use, and brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
  • Clean it periodically in cool, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly.
  • Store it in a sturdy, ventilated container when it is not in use.
  • Keep it away from heat and direct sunlight, which can distort its shape.
  • Inspect it regularly for tears or holes, and replace it when it shows wear or no longer fits well.

Because children’s mouths change as they grow, bring the mouthguard to routine dental visits so we can assess its fit alongside your child’s overall oral health.

Sports Injuries Treatment: What to Do When an Injury Happens

Even with diligent prevention, accidents happen. Responding calmly and quickly is an essential part of sports injuries treatment, and prompt action can determine whether a damaged tooth is saved. Begin by making sure your child is medically stable. Any loss of consciousness, vomiting, or unusual behavior after a facial blow warrants immediate emergency medical evaluation for possible head injury.

For specific dental injuries:

  • Chipped or fractured tooth: Rinse the mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you can locate the broken fragment, store it in cold milk or saline and bring it with you.
  • Loosened or displaced tooth: Avoid pressing on the tooth and contact your dentist promptly for evaluation.
  • Knocked-out (avulsed) permanent tooth: This is a time-sensitive dental emergency. Handle the tooth by the crown—the white chewing surface—and avoid touching the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline, never scrubbing it or using soap. If you are able, reinsert the tooth into its socket and have your child bite gently on clean gauze to hold it in place. If reinsertion is not possible, keep the tooth moist by storing it in cold milk, never tap water, and seek care immediately. The chance of saving the tooth is greatest in the first hour after the injury
  • Knocked-out baby tooth: Do not attempt to reinsert a primary tooth, as this can damage the developing permanent tooth beneath it. Contact a pediatric dentist for evaluation instead.

In every case of significant dental trauma, contact your dentist office or an emergency department right away, and call ahead so the team can prepare for your arrival. Timely professional sports injuries treatment may include repositioning and splinting a reimplanted tooth, restoring a fractured tooth, and taking an X-ray to rule out root or jaw damage.

The Role of Your Pediatric Dentist in Boiling Springs

Protecting a young athlete’s smile is a partnership between families and dental professionals. As a dedicated pediatric dentistry practice, iGrin focuses on the unique needs of growing patients, from preventive guidance and custom mouthguard fabrication to compassionate emergency care. If you are searching for a trusted “dentist near me” at the start of a new season or you need urgent help after an injury, our team is here to support your family.

If your child participates in sports, consider scheduling a consultation to discuss a custom mouthguard and a personalized prevention plan. As your pediatric dentist in Boiling Springs, SC, iGrin is committed to keeping young smiles healthy, strong, and ready for game day. Reach out to our office today to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should my child start wearing a mouthguard?

A child should begin wearing a mouthguard as soon as they participate in activities that carry a risk of facial impact, which for many families means the early elementary years. Even with primarily baby teeth, a young athlete benefits from protection against lip, cheek, and soft-tissue injuries. Because growing mouths change quickly, a pediatric dentist can recommend an appropriate option and update it as your child develops.

Can my child wear a mouthguard with braces?

Yes, and it is strongly encouraged. Children with braces should always wear a mouthguard during sports, because a blow to the face can drive brackets and wires into the soft tissue and cause additional injury. A custom-fitted mouthguard made by your dentist accommodates orthodontic hardware and can be adjusted as treatment progresses, offering far better protection than a standard stock guard.

What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth during a game?

For a permanent tooth, act quickly. Pick up the tooth by the crown without touching the root, rinse it gently with milk or saline if it is dirty, and try to reinsert it into the socket, or store it in cold milk to keep it moist. Then seek dental care immediately, ideally within 30 to 60 minutes. For a baby tooth, do not reinsert it but contact a pediatric dentist promptly for guidance.

References

  1. Ashutosh Pandey, Swapnil Singh, Priyanka Mukul, et al., “Prevalence and Outcomes of Dental Trauma in Sports-Related Injuries in the Last 2 Years,” Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences, June 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12244760/.
  2. Eliot J. Young, C. Roger Macias, and Lindsay Stephens, “Common Dental Injury Management in Athletes,” Sports Health, May 2015, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4482297/.
  3. Olivier Lieger and Thomas von Arx, “Orofacial/cerebral injuries and the use of mouthguards by professional athletes in Switzerland,” Dental Traumatology, February 2006, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16422751/.
  4. “Athletic mouth protectors (mouthguards),” American Dental Association, April 2025, https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/athletic-mouth-protectors-mouthguards.

 

 

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