Summer Sports | What Parents Need to Know About Dental Safety

Summer is a time for fun, sunshine, and sports, but it is also a season when dental injuries spike. Whether your child is heading to soccer camp, riding bikes with friends, or playing weekend baseball, protecting their smile is just as important as packing sunscreen or a water bottle. Parents need to understand how to keep their kids’ teeth safe during all their summer activities.

Why Summer Sports Put Teeth at Risk

From contact sports like football and basketball to solo fun like skateboarding or biking, kids are more active in the summer, and that means more chances for falls, collisions, or accidents. According to the American Dental Association, athletes who do not wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries.

Injuries can range from chipped teeth and broken braces to full tooth loss or jaw trauma. While some injuries are minor, others can lead to emergency dental visits, permanent damage, or expensive long-term treatment.

The Role of Sports Mouthguards

One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent dental injuries is by wearing a mouthguard. Mouthguards act as a cushion, absorbing the shock of impact and reducing the risk of broken teeth, lip injuries, and jaw fractures.

There are three types of mouthguards available:

• Stock Mouthguards | Inexpensive and ready to wear, but often bulky and poorly fitting.
• Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards | Available at most sporting goods stores, and slightly more customizable.
• Custom Mouthguards | Professionally made by your dentist, offering the best fit, comfort, and protection.

It is recommended to use custom-fitted sports mouthguards, especially for children who play in competitive leagues or wear braces, because a proper fit ensures your child can breathe, speak, and perform comfortably, without risking their teeth.

Dental Safety for Braces-Wearers

If your child has braces, protecting their smile becomes even more important. A blow to the face can not only damage the teeth but also cut the lips or cheeks on metal brackets. There are special mouthguards available that are designed for orthodontic patients that fit comfortably over braces and reduce the chance of soft tissue injuries.

Tips for Parents | Prevention Starts at Home

Want to avoid dental injuries before they happen? Here’s what you can do | 

• Make mouthguards a habit | Encourage your child to wear one anytime they play sports, even in practice or pickup games.
• Choose the right gear | Helmets, face guards, and other protective equipment are also essential for preventing facial injuries.
• Replace damaged guards | If a mouthguard shows signs of wear or no longer fits properly, it is time for a new one.
• Schedule preventive checkups | Regular dental visits help catch small problems before they become big ones and give you peace of mind.

What to Do in Case of an Injury

Despite our best efforts, accidents still happen. If your child knocks out or breaks a tooth, here is what to do | 

• Stay calm and find the tooth or fragment.
• Rinse it gently with water—no scrubbing.
• Place it in milk or your child’s saliva and bring it to the dentist ASAP.
• Call a dental office immediately for emergency dental care. The sooner you can get your child in, the better the outcome.