Sports Safety: Why Your Child's Teeth Need Protection

Kids in Westchester are active all year long, whether it’s soccer season, little league, gymnastics, or backyard play. While helmets and pads are often on parents’ safety checklist, mouthguards get overlooked way too often. A strong fall or an accidental elbow to the face can happen fast, and before you know it, your child could be facing a broken or knocked-out tooth.

Dental injuries are common in sports, and most happen when a child isn’t wearing protection for their teeth. Cracked enamel, bleeding gums, and chipped front teeth are all things that can happen during practice or games. These accidents hurt, take time to fix, and can change the way your child talks, eats, or smiles. Luckily, there’s a simple and affordable way to lower the risk: a good-fitting mouthguard built for young athletes.

Understanding Children's Mouthguards

A mouthguard is a soft, flexible tray that fits over the upper teeth. It cushions the mouth when there’s contact, acting like a shield for the teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue. When worn during practice or games, it helps lower the chance of injury by absorbing impact and keeping teeth in place.

There are three main types of children's mouthguards to choose from:

- Stock mouthguards: These are pre-made and available at most sporting goods stores. They are the least expensive but also the least comfortable since they don’t adjust to your child’s mouth. Kids often complain that they’re hard to talk around and don’t stay in well.

- Boil-and-bite mouthguards: These are made from a thermoplastic material that softens when placed in hot water. Once your child bites into it, the material molds around their teeth. These offer a somewhat better fit and protection than stock guards.

- Custom-fitted mouthguards: Made by dental professionals, these are molded exactly to your child’s mouth. They offer the best comfort, fit, and protection of all three types. The snug fit means it’s easier for your child to breathe, talk, and keep the guard in during play.

Wearing a mouthguard during sports is a smart habit. It doesn’t just help with full-contact sports like football or hockey. It’s helpful for any activity where there’s a risk of falling or being hit in the face, like skateboarding, cheerleading, or basketball. It keeps the mouth safe now and helps avoid dental treatments later.

Why Your Child Needs a Mouthguard

When kids play sports, getting bumped is normal. But getting hit in the mouth is a different kind of problem. A friendly game can turn into a trip to the dentist when an unexpected fall or swing of a bat hits the wrong spot. One quick blow can crack a tooth, cut the lip, or cause damage to the jaw.

These are some of the common injuries that can happen during sports:

- Chipped or cracked teeth

- Knocked-out permanent or baby teeth

- Cuts to the lips, gums, or cheeks

- Jaw injuries from strong impact

None of these are things any child or parent wants to deal with, especially in the middle of a season. That’s where mouthguards come in. They act like a buffer between the teeth and the point of contact.

For kids who have braces or space maintainers, mouthguards are even more necessary. A hit to the face can cause the metal or devices to press into soft tissue, creating painful cuts or worse damage. A mouthguard provides a layer of separation, helping avoid both outside and inside injuries. It can also protect the hardware from breaking or shifting, which could set back progress on their orthodontic treatment.

Think about a child playing soccer without one. A goalie diving for the ball could collide with a teammate’s knee or elbow. That kind of impact can do more than just hurt. It can break a tooth or damage it permanently. Wearing a mouthguard helps make sure those kinds of surprises don’t leave lasting effects.

Choosing the Right Mouthguard

Picking out a mouthguard isn’t just about grabbing one off the shelf. Parents need to think about several things to ensure the best protection and comfort for their kids. Here are some tips to guide you:

1. Fit: The mouthguard should snugly fit over the teeth without much movement. If it’s loose, it won’t offer the right protection and might even make breathing hard during physical activity.

2. Comfort: No one wants to wear something irritating for hours. A comfortable mouthguard encourages regular wear, which is important for safety. Custom-fitted options usually offer the most comfort since they are made to fit the exact shape of a child’s mouth.

3. Durability: Kids are active, and their gear needs to keep up. Look for mouthguards made from materials that can handle biting and chewing. Custom mouthguards tend to be more durable compared to the stock varieties.

While every child is different, investing in a custom-fitted mouthguard is often the best bet for ensuring safety and comfort.

Encouraging Your Child to Wear a Mouthguard

Getting kids to remember their mouthguard before every practice or game can be challenging. Here are some strategies that can help encourage your child to make it a regular part of their gear:

- Routine: Like putting on their uniform or lacing up their shoes, wearing a mouthguard should become second nature. Involve them in packing their sports bag and remind them how important their smile is.

- Address Concerns: Some kids find mouthguards annoying or uncomfortable. If this is the case, try out different styles or explore custom options to find one that fits perfectly.

- Positive Reinforcement: Praise your child when they remember to wear their mouthguard. Positive words can help make a habit stick.

A child who feels involved in the process of picking and caring for their mouthguard is more likely to use it regularly without reminders.

Protecting Your Young Athlete’s Smile

Sports are a great way for kids to build confidence, make friends, and stay active. But while they focus on their game, parents can take one extra step to keep their smiles safe. Adding a well-fitting mouthguard to their checklist is one way to prevent painful and costly dental problems later on.

These guards should be seen as part of the uniform, just as valuable as a helmet or shin guards. A mouthguard can be the difference between finishing the season strong and sitting out for dental repairs.

Now is the time to help your child build habits that protect their teeth both on and off the field. Start today with the gear that truly supports their growth, safety, and smile for years to come.

Ensuring your child has the right protection for their teeth while playing sports is a must. With well-fitting gear, like children's mouthguards, you guard against unexpected injuries that could sideline their smile. At Ready Set Smile Pediatric Dentistry, we focus on preventive care to keep young athletes in the game and their smiles bright. Explore more about how we can help protect your child’s dental health with a quick visit today.