The single best way to protect a child’s teeth during sports is a properly fitted mouthguard worn at every practice and every game. Dental injuries from sports are common but largely preventable with the right equipment, good habits, and a plan for handling emergencies. At Sola Dental Spa in Staten Island, we fit young athletes with custom mouthguards and walk families through what to do if an injury happens anyway.
Why Mouthguards Matter
Mouthguards work by absorbing and spreading out impact forces that would otherwise land directly on the teeth, jaw, and soft tissue. Without one, a child’s teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw are left exposed to routine contact from balls, elbows, equipment, and falls that happen in nearly every sport, not just the obvious contact sports like football and hockey.
The American Dental Association recommends wearing a mouthguard for both practices and games, not just contests, since many injuries happen during everyday training.
Types of Mouthguards, Compared
| Type | How It Fits | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Custom-made | Molded by a dentist to fit your child’s mouth exactly | Contact sports, braces, and the best overall protection |
| Boil-and-bite | Softened in hot water and shaped at home | A reasonable middle ground when a custom guard is not available |
| Stock (pre-formed) | Comes in generic sizes with no molding | Least protective option; fit is often loose or bulky |
The ADA Seal of Acceptance is a useful marker to look for on any mouthguard, since it signals the product has met the association’s standards for safety and effectiveness. Custom mouthguards made by a dentist tend to offer the most secure, comfortable fit, which matters most for younger athletes who are more likely to stop wearing a guard that feels awkward.
Building Good Habits Around Mouthguard Use
Fit is only part of the picture. A few habits make a real difference:
- Wear the mouthguard at every practice, not just games, since many injuries happen during routine drills.
- Rinse the mouthguard after each use and store it in a ventilated case.
- Check periodically for wear, tears, or a loosening fit, especially as your child’s mouth changes with growth or orthodontic treatment.
- Talk with your child about why the mouthguard matters. Buy-in matters as much as the equipment itself.
How Custom Mouthguard Fittings Work
At Sola Dental Spa, fitting a custom mouthguard is a simple, low-stress visit. Your dentist takes an impression or digital scan of your child’s mouth, which is used to build a guard shaped to their exact bite and tooth positions. Because the fit is precise, the guard stays in place during play instead of shifting or falling out, and it is comfortable enough that kids are more likely to actually wear it.
For kids in orthodontic treatment, the fitting process accounts for braces and any planned tooth movement, so the guard continues to protect properly as their smile changes. We recommend bringing your child in for a fit check at the start of each new season, since growth spurts and orthodontic progress can both change how a guard sits.
“The mouthguards that actually protect kids are the ones they will keep wearing. A custom guard that fits comfortably gets worn every practice, while a bulky stock guard often ends up in a bag instead of a mouth. That difference is where most preventable injuries happen.”
Dr. Anne Gershkowitz, DDS, Founder, Sola Dental Spa
What to Do If a Tooth Is Injured During Sports
Even with a mouthguard, injuries can still happen. Knowing the first steps can make a real difference in the outcome:
- If a tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown, the chewing surface, never the root.
- Rinse it gently with water or saline if it is dirty, without scrubbing it.
- If possible, place the tooth back in its socket and hold it in place on the way to care.
- If it cannot be reinserted, keep it in milk or a tooth preservation product until you reach a dentist.
- Get to a dentist as quickly as possible. Time matters for the tooth’s chances of being saved.
For chipped or cracked teeth, save any broken pieces if you can find them and schedule a dental visit as soon as possible, even if the tooth is not causing pain.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a mouthguard for every sport, or just contact sports?
Mouthguards are recommended for any sport with a risk of falls, collisions, or flying equipment, which covers far more activities than just football or hockey. Basketball, baseball, and even gymnastics carry real risk of dental injury.
Are custom mouthguards worth the extra cost compared to store-bought ones?
For most young athletes, yes. A custom mouthguard fits more securely, is more comfortable, and is far more likely to actually stay in during play, which is what makes it protective in the first place.
How often does my child need a new mouthguard?
Growing mouths and orthodontic changes mean a mouthguard that fit well six months ago may not fit well now. We recommend checking the fit each season and replacing it whenever it feels loose, tight, or worn.
What should I do if my child’s tooth gets chipped during a game?
Save any pieces of the tooth if you can, rinse the area gently, and schedule a dental visit as soon as possible, even if your child is not in pain. Some chips affect the tooth’s structure in ways that are not obvious right away.
Can a mouthguard help with braces?
Yes, and it is especially important for kids in orthodontic treatment. A custom mouthguard can be made to fit comfortably over braces, protecting both the teeth and the soft tissue from the brackets during impact.
A well-fitted mouthguard, a few consistent habits, and a plan for handling emergencies go a long way toward protecting your child’s smile through a full season of sports.
Schedule a custom mouthguard fitting with our team at Sola Dental Spa.