Fall sports are in full swing across Mississippi. Between football practices, soccer games, basketball tryouts, and after-school activities, kids are spending plenty of time on the field and court. While parents make sure their children have the right shoes, helmets, and other equipment, one important piece of protection can easily get overlooked: a sports mouthguard.
A fall, collision, or unexpected elbow can happen in seconds, and the damage to a child’s teeth may require dental treatment long after the game ends. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard is a simple way to help reduce the risk of dental injuries.
At The Winning Smile Dental Group, we help families throughout Madison, Ridgeland, Brandon, Flowood, and Clinton, Mississippi, care for their children’s teeth. Whether your child is starting their first sports season or has been playing for years, understanding the importance of sports mouthguards can help keep their smile protected.
Why Are Sports Mouthguards Important for Kids?
Children are naturally active, and sports give them opportunities to build confidence, develop teamwork, and stay healthy. But even sports that aren’t considered high-contact can lead to dental injuries.
A basketball player might take an accidental elbow to the mouth while going for a rebound. A soccer player could collide with another player while chasing the ball. Even a simple fall during practice can result in a chipped or broken tooth.
Sports mouthguards help absorb and distribute some of the force from an impact, reducing the risk of injuries to the teeth and surrounding soft tissues.
Without proper protection, children may experience:
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Knocked-out or loosened teeth
- Cuts to the lips, cheeks, or tongue
- Damage to existing dental restorations
- Injuries that require emergency dental treatment
Although a mouthguard cannot prevent every injury, it provides an important layer of protection during practices and games.
Which Sports Should Kids Wear Mouthguards For?
Football is probably the first sport that comes to mind when parents think about mouthguards. However, dental injuries can happen in many different activities.
Children who participate in the following sports may benefit from wearing a mouthguard:
- Football: Tackles, blocks, and player collisions create opportunities for facial injuries.
- Basketball: Close contact, elbows, and falls can put teeth at risk.
- Soccer: Collisions, falls, and accidental contact can cause dental injuries.
- Baseball and softball: A missed catch, stray ball, or collision can lead to an unexpected injury.
- Cheerleading and gymnastics: Falls and accidental contact during routines or practice can affect the teeth and mouth.
- Hockey and martial arts: Physical contact increases the importance of appropriate protective equipment.
Parents should also consider mouthguards for recreational activities such as skateboarding and biking, depending on the activity and their dentist’s recommendations.
The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for a variety of sports and recreational activities where dental injuries are possible.
What Type of Sports Mouthguard Is Best for Kids?
Not all mouthguards offer the same fit, comfort, or level of protection. Parents generally have three options when choosing a sports mouthguard for their child.
1. Stock Mouthguards
Stock mouthguards are preformed and ready to wear. They’re commonly available at sporting goods stores and tend to be the least expensive option.
However, because they aren’t shaped to fit an individual child’s teeth, they can feel bulky or uncomfortable. A poor fit may also make it harder to breathe or speak comfortably during activity.
2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are made from a material that softens in hot water. Once softened according to the manufacturer’s instructions, the child bites into the material to create a more personalized fit.
These mouthguards are widely available and may fit better than stock options. However, the final fit depends on how carefully they’re molded, and they may need to be replaced as a child’s teeth and jaw develop.
3. Custom-Made Sports Mouthguards
Custom sports mouthguards are created using an impression or scan of a child’s teeth, allowing for a more precise fit.
Because they’re designed for the individual patient, custom mouthguards can offer better comfort and retention than many store-bought options. A comfortable mouthguard is also more likely to be worn consistently.
At The Winning Smile, our children’s dental care services include custom-made sports mouthguards to help protect young athletes from dental injuries.
If you’re unsure which option is appropriate for your child, your dentist can help you consider their age, dental development, and the sports they play.
How Often Should Kids Replace Their Sports Mouthguards?
Children’s mouths change as they grow. Baby teeth fall out, permanent teeth come in, and orthodontic treatment may change how a mouthguard fits.
Even a mouthguard that worked well last season might not provide the same fit today.
Parents should check their child’s mouthguard regularly and watch for signs that it’s time for a replacement.
These include:
- Visible cracks, tears, or worn areas
- A loose fit or difficulty keeping the mouthguard in place
- Discomfort while wearing it
- Changes in tooth alignment or new permanent teeth
- A mouthguard that has become misshapen
It’s a good idea to have your child’s mouthguard checked by their dentist before each sports season, especially if their teeth are still developing.
Children who wear braces or other orthodontic appliances may need a mouthguard designed to accommodate those appliances. Their dentist or orthodontic provider can recommend an appropriate option.
Tips for Keeping Your Child’s Mouthguard Clean
A mouthguard spends a lot of time in your child’s mouth, so keeping it clean matters just as much as making sure it fits correctly.
Encourage your child to develop a simple routine after every practice or game.
- Rinse it after use. Rinse the mouthguard with cool water to remove saliva and debris.
- Clean it regularly. Follow the dentist’s or manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning with a suitable product.
- Let it dry. Allow the mouthguard to dry before placing it in its storage case.
- Use a ventilated case. Store it in a clean, protective container with ventilation.
- Keep it away from heat. Hot water, direct sunlight, and hot cars can warp some mouthguard materials.
Parents should also remind children not to share mouthguards with teammates. Each mouthguard should be fitted and used by one person.
What Should You Do If Your Child Injures a Tooth During Sports?
Even with protective equipment, accidents can still happen. Knowing what to do after a dental injury can make a difference in the outcome.
If your child chips, breaks, loosens, or knocks out a tooth, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
For a chipped or broken tooth, gently rinse the mouth with water and save any broken pieces you can find. A cold compress may help with swelling while you arrange dental care.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown rather than the root. If it’s dirty, gently rinse it without scrubbing. When possible, place it back into the socket without forcing it. Otherwise, keep it moist in milk or an appropriate tooth-preservation solution and seek immediate dental treatment.
Never attempt to reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth, as doing so could damage the developing permanent tooth underneath.
Significant facial injuries, uncontrolled bleeding, or other serious symptoms require emergency medical attention.
The Winning Smile provides emergency dental care for injuries such as broken and knocked-out teeth. Getting prompt treatment can help prevent further complications and give your child the best chance of preserving their natural smile.
Protecting Your Child’s Smile Beyond the Sports Season
A mouthguard is an important part of sports safety, but it’s only one piece of maintaining good dental health.
Regular dental visits allow your child’s dentist to monitor how their teeth are developing, identify potential problems, and recommend preventive care as they grow.
Keeping up with routine dental exams and cleanings is especially important for active children. These appointments also give parents an opportunity to ask questions about mouthguard fit, dental injuries, and protecting their child’s teeth throughout the year.
Whether your child is preparing for a championship game or simply enjoying time outside with friends, good dental habits and the right protective equipment can help keep their smile healthy.
Keep Your Young Athlete’s Smile Protected With The Winning Smile
Fall sports should be about having fun, learning new skills, and making memories with teammates, not worrying about an unexpected dental injury.
At The Winning Smile Dental Group, we understand how important it is to keep your child’s smile healthy as they grow. Our team offers children’s dental care, preventive services, and custom sports mouthguards to help young athletes protect their teeth on and off the field.
With convenient locations in Madison, Ridgeland, Brandon, Flowood, and Clinton, Mississippi, we’re here to help your family make dental health part of the game plan.
Schedule an appointment with The Winning Smile to learn more about sports mouthguards for kids and keeping your child’s smile protected throughout the season.
