For kids and teens, staying active is an essential part of growing up—whether it’s playing soccer with friends, riding bikes, or participating in team sports. But with all that motion comes a little risk, especially to their smiles.
Dental emergencies are more common than many parents realize, and they often happen during physical activities. A chipped tooth, a knocked-out incisor, or a cut lip can turn a fun afternoon into an urgent dental visit. Fortunately, many of these injuries are preventable with the right gear and good habits.
In this post, we’ll explore how you can help your child enjoy playtime and sports safely, with fewer risks to their teeth and gums.
Why Do Dental Injuries Happen During Play?
From toddlers on the playground to teens on the football field, children of all ages are vulnerable to dental trauma. A quick trip on the sidewalk, an accidental elbow during a basketball game, or an unprotected face during a skateboarding session can easily result in:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Knocked-out permanent teeth
- Lacerations to the lips, cheeks, or tongue
- Fractured jaws or dental bone injuries
These aren’t just painful—they can also require long-term dental care and potentially affect permanent tooth development.
Mouthguards: Your Child’s Best Defense
One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent dental trauma during sports is the use of a mouthguard. This simple device cushions teeth, soft tissue, and jawbones, absorbing impact that might otherwise cause serious injury.
Types of Mouthguards:
- Custom-fit (from your dentist): These offer the highest level of protection and comfort. They’re molded specifically for your child’s mouth, which means better fit, better compliance, and less interference with speaking or breathing.
- Boil-and-bite (store-bought): These are a good mid-range option. When heated in hot water, they can be shaped to fit more closely to the teeth.
- Stock mouthguards (pre-formed): Inexpensive and widely available, but often bulky and uncomfortable. These may be better than nothing—but they’re the least protective.
💡 Pro Tip: If your child wears braces, it’s especially important to use a mouthguard to prevent damage to both the braces and the soft tissues of the mouth.
Encourage your child to treat a mouthguard like any other required gear—just as essential as cleats, shin guards, or helmets. Keep a backup in their sports bag in case one gets lost.
Helmets and Face Gear: Not Just for Heads
Helmets don’t just protect against concussions—they also play a vital role in preventing facial and dental injuries. In activities like biking, skateboarding, skiing, or contact sports, a properly fitted helmet with a face shield or cage can be the difference between a close call and a dental emergency.
Look for sport-specific helmets that meet safety standards. For sports like baseball or lacrosse, where flying balls or sticks pose a risk, a full face guard or cage should be worn as well.
Safe Play Habits Make a Big Difference
In addition to proper protective gear, kids should be taught to play smart. Here are a few habits that reduce the chances of injury:
- Avoid roughhousing: Wrestling, pushing, and shoving—even outside of sports—often lead to accidental collisions.
- No running with objects in the mouth: It sounds obvious, but kids often carry toys, straws, or lollipops in their mouths—this is a recipe for injury.
- Don’t chew on hard objects: Pencils, fingernails, ice, or sports equipment can all chip or crack teeth. Mouthguards can help reduce this habit during sports.
- Use proper technique: Working with coaches to learn the correct way to fall, catch, or block can help minimize risky impacts.
What Parents Can Do to Help
As a parent, you’re your child’s biggest advocate for safety, on and off the field. Here are a few ways you can be proactive:
- Schedule a dental checkup before the sports season begins. Your dentist can identify any issues that might make your child more vulnerable to injury, such as loose baby teeth or misalignment.
- Talk to coaches and league officials. Confirm that mouthguards and helmets are part of the official gear requirements—and if they’re not, advocate for change.
- Create a dental emergency kit. Keep it in your car or your child’s sports bag. Include gauze, a small container (for a knocked-out tooth), saline solution or milk, and contact information for your dentist.
- Lead by example. If you bike, skate, or play sports as a family, wear your own protective gear. Kids are more likely to follow your lead than just your advice.
Don’t Wait for an Emergency to Act
Dental emergencies can happen in an instant, but a little preparation goes a long way. With the right habits and equipment, your child can run, jump, and play without putting their smile at unnecessary risk.
Remember: a custom-fitted mouthguard and a well-fitted helmet are far less expensive than emergency dental care or orthodontic repair.
For kids and teens, staying active is an essential part of growing up—whether it’s playing soccer with friends, riding bikes, or participating in team sports. But with all that motion comes a little risk.
Need help choosing the right mouthguard or preparing your child for the season ahead? Schedule a consultation with our dental team—we’re happy to help protect what matters most: your child’s smile.