How Sports Mouthguards Protect Developing Jaws and Permanent Teeth

As kids run onto the field, parents worry about scrapes and bruises. But a single collision can impact your child's smile for life.

At Happy Teeth Children's Dentistry in Riverside, California, pediatric dentist Dr. Irene Zaki sees firsthand how a fall, ball, or puck can affect young athletes’ teeth. 

That’s why she recommends that kids who play sports, even some noncontact ones,  wear custom mouthguards. 

Does my child need a mouthguard for noncontact sports? 

It’s true, dental and other injuries are especially prevalent in contact sports such as football, basketball, and hockey. However, they’re also common in activities you might not expect. 

According to the American Dental Association, dental injuries are highly prevalent in limited-contact and non-contact activities.  A sudden fall on the pavement or a stray soccer ball can easily chip or knock out a permanent tooth. Baseball accounts for the most dental injuries in the 7- to 12-year-old age group.

We recommend making a mouthguard a nonnegotiable rule for every practice and game. If an accident does happen, we offer emergency dentistry. Prompt, professional treatment helps prevent long-term problems.

How custom mouthguards differ from store-bought options

One-size-fits-all over-the-counter mouthguards often fit poorly and have inadequate retention. As a result, children must constantly clench their teeth to hold them in place.   

Unsurprisingly, kids often spit them out or leave them in their gear bags.

 At our Riverside, California office, Dr. Zaki creates custom mouthguards that fit comfortably over your child's teeth, so they actually wear them.

Can a mouthguard prevent concussions?

Some sports gear companies claim that mouthguards protect the brain and prevent concussions. While they are vital for protecting teeth, the science is not so simple. 

The American Dental Association cautions that evidence on mouthguards reducing concussion rates is mixed and less consistent than for dental injuries. A mouthguard's primary job is to cushion the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth. 

While they are great protection for permanent teeth, they can’t replace helmets or proper safety protocols.  

Protecting your child's smile starts with the right preventive care. If your young athlete is gearing up for a new sports season, we can help. Schedule a visit with Dr. Zaki at Happy Teeth Children's Dentistry today to get a custom-fitted mouthguard.