Sports Dental Injuries: How to Protect Your Teeth During Sports
Whether you’re playing hockey, soccer, basketball, football, or another sport, accidents can happen in an instant.
A blow to the face can chip, crack, or completely knock out a tooth. Many of these injuries are preventable with the right protective equipment.
At Bronte Road Family Dental in Oakville, we encourage athletes of all ages to protect their smiles with properly fitted sports mouthguards.
How Common Are Dental Sports Injuries?
Facial injuries are common during sports and recreational activities, especially among children, teenagers, and young adults.
Dental injuries may include:
- Chipped teeth
- Broken teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Lip and cheek injuries
- Gum injuries
- Jaw injuries
Even non-contact sports can result in dental trauma through accidental falls or contact with equipment.
Which Sports Have the Highest Risk?
Sports commonly associated with dental injuries include:
- Hockey
- Football
- Rugby
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Baseball
- Lacrosse
- Martial arts
- Wrestling
- Skateboarding
- BMX and mountain biking
Any activity with a risk of falls or collisions can lead to dental injuries.
Why Are Front Teeth Injured Most Often?
The upper front teeth are the most exposed during sports.
A direct blow from:
- A puck
- A baseball
- An elbow
- Another player’s shoulder
- A bicycle fall
can fracture or completely dislodge these teeth.
Prompt dental treatment is essential whenever a permanent tooth is injured.
How Can Sports Injuries Be Prevented?
The best protection comes from using appropriate safety equipment.
This includes:
- Helmets when required
- Face shields or cages
- Protective sports equipment
- A properly fitted sports mouthguard
No protective equipment can eliminate all injuries, but it can significantly reduce their severity.
Why Are Custom Mouthguards Better?
Custom mouthguards are made specifically for your teeth.
Compared with store-bought mouthguards, they generally:
- Fit more comfortably
- Stay securely in place
- Allow easier breathing and speaking
- Provide better protection
- Last longer with proper care
Because they fit precisely, athletes are also more likely to wear them consistently.
Are Store-Bought Mouthguards Good Enough?
Boil-and-bite mouthguards provide more protection than wearing no mouthguard at all.
However, they often:
- Fit loosely
- Feel bulky
- Require clenching to stay in place
- May interfere with speaking or breathing
Custom-made mouthguards generally provide the highest level of comfort and protection.
Do Children Need New Mouthguards?
Yes.
As children grow and lose baby teeth, their mouthguard may no longer fit properly.
Growing athletes should have their mouthguard checked regularly and replaced when necessary.
What Should You Do If a Tooth Is Knocked Out?
If a permanent tooth is knocked out:
- Pick it up by the crown, not the root.
- Rinse it gently if dirty.
- If possible, place it back into the socket.
- If that isn’t possible, store it in cold milk or a tooth preservation solution.
- Seek emergency dental care immediately.
The sooner treatment begins, the greater the chance the tooth can be saved.
How Bronte Road Family Dental Can Help
At Bronte Road Family Dental, we provide custom sports mouthguards designed for athletes of all ages.
Whether you play competitive hockey, soccer, football, basketball, martial arts, or simply enjoy recreational sports, a properly fitted mouthguard can help protect your teeth from unnecessary injury.
If your child participates in organized sports, ask our team whether they’re a good candidate for a custom mouthguard.
If your practice continues to offer complimentary custom mouthguards as part of a community program, this is an excellent place to mention it with the applicable terms and conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a mouthguard for basketball or soccer?
Yes. Although these sports may not always be considered full-contact, dental injuries occur regularly due to collisions and falls.
Can a mouthguard prevent a knocked-out tooth?
While no mouthguard can prevent every injury, wearing one significantly reduces the risk of chipped, broken, and knocked-out teeth.
Are custom mouthguards worth the extra cost?
For athletes who participate regularly, most dentists recommend custom mouthguards because they fit better, feel more comfortable, and provide better protection.
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
Adults may use the same mouthguard for several years if it remains in good condition. Children often require replacement more frequently because their mouths continue to grow.
Should I wear a mouthguard if I have braces?
Yes. Athletes with braces are actually at greater risk of injuries to the lips and cheeks. A mouthguard helps protect both the braces and the surrounding soft tissues.
Protecting Your Smile Is Easier Than Repairing It
Sports are an excellent way to stay healthy and active, but dental injuries can happen when you least expect them.
A properly fitted mouthguard is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of broken or knocked-out teeth and help protect your smile throughout the season.
If you or your child participates in sports, the team at Bronte Road Family Dental in Oakville can help you choose the right mouthguard for your needs.
References
- Canadian Dental Association – Sports Mouthguards
- American Dental Association – MouthHealthy: Athletic Mouthguards
- International Association of Dental Traumatology – Guidelines for Dental Trauma
