Sports Mouthguards: Protecting Young Athletes' Smiles

Summer leagues, camps and pickup games are in full swing, and so are the dental injuries that come with them. A ball, an elbow or a fall can chip, crack or knock out a tooth in a second. The good news is that one inexpensive piece of equipment prevents most of these injuries: a mouthguard.

Which sports need a mouthguard

Football, hockey and lacrosse players usually wear mouthguards because the rules require it. But many dental injuries happen in sports where they're optional:

• Basketball and soccer
• Baseball and softball
• Martial arts and wrestling
• Skateboarding, cycling and scooters
• Volleyball, gymnastics and cheerleading

If there's a chance of contact with a ball, a player, the ground or equipment, a mouthguard is a good idea. That goes for adults in recreational leagues, too.

Three types of mouthguards

Stock mouthguards

These come ready to wear from sporting goods stores. They're the least expensive, but they're often bulky and loose, which makes talking and breathing harder. Many kids end up chewing on them or taking them out.

Boil-and-bite mouthguards

You soften these in hot water and bite into them to shape them. They fit better than stock guards and are a reasonable option for many young athletes. The fit depends on how well the molding goes, and they may need replacing more often.

Custom mouthguards

A custom guard is made from an impression or scan of your teeth, so it fits precisely, stays in place and is comfortable enough that athletes actually keep it in. It offers the most consistent protection and makes it easier to talk and breathe during play. Zen Family Dental makes custom mouth guards as part of our general and preventive care.

Mouthguards and braces

If your child wears braces, a mouthguard is even more important. A hit to the mouth can push lips and cheeks into the brackets and cause painful cuts, or damage the braces themselves. Ask us about a guard that fits over braces and allows for tooth movement. Patients using clear aligners should talk with us about whether to wear their aligners or a separate guard during sports.

Getting kids to actually wear it

The best mouthguard is the one that's in the mouth during play. A few tips:

• Choose comfort. A guard that fits well is much less likely to end up in a pocket.
• Make it routine. Mouthguard in when the helmet or cleats go on.
• Let kids pick a color. It sounds small, but ownership helps.
• Lead by example. If you play adult league sports, wear one too.

Caring for a mouthguard

• Rinse it before and after each use, and brush it gently with a toothbrush.
• Store it in a vented case so it can dry.
• Keep it out of hot cars and direct sun, which can warp it.
• Replace it when it's worn, torn or loose, and as children's mouths grow.
• Bring it to checkups so we can check the fit.

If a tooth gets knocked out

Act quickly; time matters. Pick the tooth up by the crown (the part you chew with), not the root. If it's dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or water without scrubbing. If you can, place it back in the socket and have the athlete bite gently on gauze. Otherwise, keep it in milk and get to a dentist right away. Our emergency dental care page covers other sports injuries, such as chipped or cracked teeth.

Protect their smile this season

A properly fitted mouthguard costs far less than repairing a broken tooth. If your child plays sports, ask about a custom mouthguard at their next visit, or request an appointment online. You can also call Zen Family Dental at (703) 385-2772.