Summer is an exciting time for children and teens. School is out, sports leagues are in full swing, and many families spend more time outdoors playing soccer, baseball, lacrosse, basketball, mountain biking, skateboarding, and countless other recreational activities. While staying active is wonderful for overall health, it also increases the risk of dental injuries.
Every year, thousands of children experience chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth during sports and recreational activities. Fortunately, wearing the right protective equipment and knowing how to respond if an accident happens can prevent many of these injuries.
As your trusted family dentist in Coquitlam, the team at Austin Smile Studio believes prevention is always the best approach. A properly fitted mouthguard and a basic understanding of sports dental emergencies help protect your child’s healthy smile.
Why Every Young Athlete Should Wear a Mouthguard
A mouthguard acts as a cushion between the upper and lower teeth while helping absorb the force of an impact to the face or jaw. Even sports that are not traditionally considered high-contact can result in unexpected collisions, falls, or stray equipment causing dental injuries.
Children who participate in hockey, football, rugby, lacrosse, martial arts, and boxing should always wear a mouthguard. Sports such as basketball, soccer, baseball, gymnastics, skateboarding, cycling, and mountain biking can also lead to dental injuries, making mouth protection a smart investment regardless of the activity.
Custom vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards: Which Is Better?
Parents often wonder whether a store-bought mouthguard is sufficient or whether a custom-made appliance is worth the investment.
Store-bought mouthguards are inexpensive and widely available. Stock mouthguards come pre-formed and ready to wear, while boil-and-bite models soften in hot water so users can mould them to their teeth at home. Although these options provide some protection, they may not fit perfectly. A loose mouthguard can shift during play, feel bulky, make breathing or speaking more difficult, and offer less consistent protection.
Your dental team creates custom mouthguards using impressions of your child’s teeth. This precise fit provides greater comfort, keeps the mouthguard securely in place, and allows children to breathe and communicate more easily during sports. Many young athletes are also more likely to wear a mouthguard consistently when it fits well and feels comfortable.
Mouthguards for Kids with Braces
For children undergoing orthodontic treatment, your dentist can create custom mouthguards that fit comfortably over braces while providing excellent protection. Your dentist can recommend the most appropriate option based on your child’s age, sport, and stage of dental development as part of our comprehensive dental services.
Additional Benefits of Wearing a Sports Mouthguard
A mouthguard does more than protect teeth and may help prevent injuries that could otherwise require dental crowns. It can also help reduce injuries to the lips, cheeks, tongue, and jaw while lowering the risk of serious damage that could require extensive restorative dental treatment.
What to Do After a Sports-Related Dental Injury
Even with proper protection, accidents can still happen. Staying calm and acting quickly can make a significant difference in the outcome.
A chipped or broken tooth should be examined by a dentist as soon as possible, as dental bonding may be an effective solution for repairing minor chips. Even when the damage appears minor and your child is not experiencing pain, cracks may extend deeper into the tooth than you can see and may require dental fillings to restore the tooth. Rinse the mouth gently with warm water and, if possible, save any broken pieces to bring to your appointment.
How to Handle a Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
If a permanent tooth has been completely knocked out, time is extremely important because immediate treatment may help avoid the need for dental implants later. Carefully pick up the tooth by the crown, avoiding contact with the root. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with clean water for just a few seconds without scrubbing or removing any attached tissue.
If replacing the tooth is not possible, keep it moist by placing it in milk or a tooth preservation solution. Avoid storing the tooth in plain water for an extended period, as this can reduce the chances of successful reimplantation. Contact your dentist immediately, as prompt treatment offers the best opportunity to save the tooth.
What If a Baby Tooth Is Knocked Out?
If a baby tooth is knocked out, do not attempt to place it back into the socket. Doing so could damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Instead, contact your dental office promptly for guidance and an examination.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care
If your child experiences significant bleeding, swelling, jaw pain, difficulty opening the mouth, or a suspected facial fracture, seek immediate evaluation from a dentist or visit the nearest emergency department. In some situations, visiting the nearest emergency department may be appropriate before arranging follow-up dental care.
After any sports-related dental injury, it is important to continue monitoring the affected tooth over the following weeks and months. Even teeth that initially appear healthy can develop complications later, making follow-up appointments an essential part of care.
Simple Ways to Prevent Sports-Related Dental Injuries
The good news is that many sports-related dental injuries are entirely preventable. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard every time your child participates in practices or games is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious dental trauma. Combining this protection with regular professional teeth cleaning and dental checkups helps ensure your child’s teeth remain healthy, strong, and ready for every new adventure.
Protect Your Child’s Smile with Austin Smile Studio
At Austin Smile Studio,we are committed to helping families protect their smiles all year long. Whether your child needs a custom sports mouthguard or requires prompt care following a dental injury, our experienced team is here to help. As a trusted family dentist in Coquitlam, we provide compassionate care for children and adults alike. Contact us today to learn more about custom mouthguards or to receive emergency dental care when you need it most.
