Sports-Related Dental Injuries: How to Protect Your Child’s Smile
As the new school year begins and fall sports ramp up, many families find themselves balancing packed schedules filled with practices, games, and school events. If your child is participating in any athletic activity, it’s crucial to understand the risk of dental injuries and how to prevent them. At Smiley Pearls, your family dentist in Sachse, we’re here to help parents protect their child’s smile with practical tips and emergency preparedness.
Understanding the Risk: Dental Injuries in Youth Sports
Sports-related dental injuries are more common than many parents realize. Research shows that up to 61% of athletes under 18 have experienced some form of dental trauma. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), about 10–20% of all sports-related injuries involve the face and mouth.
Whether your child plays recreational sports or participates in competitive athletics, they’re at risk for:
- Tooth fractures
- Avulsions (a tooth knocked completely out)
- Soft tissue injuries to the lips, gums, or tongue
These injuries can occur during contact sports like football and hockey, but also in lower-contact activities such as gymnastics or skateboarding.
Prevention First: Protect Your Child With a Mouthguard
The good news is that most sports-related dental injuries are preventable—and the best line of defense is a custom mouthguard.
Why Choose a Custom Mouthguard?
Unlike store-bought options, custom mouthguards are:
- Designed to fit your child’s mouth perfectly
- Comfortable and won’t inhibit speech or breathing
- More durable and effective at absorbing impact
The ADA recommends wearing a custom mouthguard during these sports and activities:
- Football
- Basketball
- Baseball & Softball (infielders)
- Soccer
- Lacrosse
- Ice and Roller Hockey
- Wrestling
- Martial Arts
- Gymnastics
- Skateboarding
- Field Hockey
- Boxing
- Skiing & Snowboarding
- Surfing
- Weightlifting
- Volleyball
- Racquetball & Squash
- Skydiving
- Rugby
- Handball
- Shot putting
- Water Polo
- Acrobats
At Smiley Pearls, we recommend mouthguards for any sport where there’s a risk of impact to the face or head—even if it’s not traditionally considered a contact sport.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Even with the best prevention, accidents can happen. Knowing how to respond quickly and calmly can make all the difference in saving your child’s tooth and preventing long-term damage.
Step-by-Step Guide for How to Respond to Sports-Related Dental Injuries:
- Stay Calm
Reassure your child and assess the injury. Encourage them to alert their coach or supervisor if the incident occurred during a team activity. - Locate and Preserve the Tooth
If a permanent tooth is knocked out:- Rinse it gently with milk (do not scrub or dry it).
- Place it in a container with cold milk or the child’s saliva.
- Call your pediatric dentist immediately.
- If a baby tooth is lost, locate it to prevent choking and bring it to the dentist for evaluation.
- Clean the Area
Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the gums, lips, or injured area. Apply gentle pressure with gauze or whatever you have on hand to stop any bleeding. - Apply a Cold Compress
Reduce swelling and relieve pain by placing a cold pack wrapped in a towel on the affected area.
Contact Your Dentist
Save your dentist’s number in your phone for emergencies. Prompt treatment improves the chances of saving the tooth and preventing complications.
Protect Smiles with Children’s Dentistry at Smiley Pearls
At Smiley Pearls in Sachse, TX, we prioritize prevention and early intervention. Our custom mouthguards are professionally crafted to protect your child’s smile during both sports and sleep. If your child plays sports, now is the perfect time to schedule a consultation to see if a mouthguard is right for them. Don’t wait until an emergency strikes—be prepared and proactive. Call Smiley Pearls today to schedule your child’s custom mouthguard fitting.