Sports-Related Dental Injuries: How to Protect Your Child’s Smile This Sports Season
- Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry
- 46 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Is your child participating in athletics this fall? Whether they play football, soccer, basketball, are cheerleading, or involved in other sports, it’s important to understand the risk of dental injuries and how to keep their teeth safe on and off the field.
At Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry, your trusted children’s dentist in Houston, we’re dedicated to helping parents protect their child’s smile. With the right preventive care, custom mouth guards, and emergency preparedness, you can ensure your young athlete is prepared and stays confident all season long.
Understanding the Risk: Dental Injuries in Youth Sports
Sports-related dental injuries are more common than many parents realize. Children and teens who play contact or ball-related sports—such as basketball, baseball, soccer, or field hockey—are at the highest risk of tooth fractures caused by sudden impacts, collisions, or falls.
According to research, up to 61% of young athletes under 18 experience some form of dental trauma. The American Dental Association (ADA) also reports that 10–20% of all sports-related injuries involve the face or mouth.
Whether your child plays recreational sports or participates in competitive athletics, they could be at risk for:
Tooth fractures
Avulsions (a tooth knocked out completely)
Soft tissue injuries to the lips, gums, or tongue
These types of injuries can happen not only in high-contact sports like football and hockey but also in lower-contact activities such as gymnastics, skateboarding, or even cycling.
By understanding these risks, parents can take proactive steps to protect their child’s smile and prevent lasting dental damage.
Types of Tooth Replacement Options for Kids
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 mouth guards 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 while participating in the following 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 Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend mouth guards 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 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 any other available material to stop the bleeding.
Apply a Cold Compress
Reduce swelling and relieve pain by placing a cold pack wrapped in a towel on the affected area.
Save your dentist’s number in your phone for emergencies. Prompt treatment improves the chances of saving the tooth and preventing complications.
Protect Their Smile with Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry
At Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry, we prioritize prevention and early intervention. We can help recommend the appropriate mouthguard 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 custom mouthguard is right for them.
Don’t wait until an emergency strikes—be prepared. Call Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry at one of our four convenient locations today to schedule your child’s custom mouthguard fitting.
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