Summer is one of the best times of the year for kids. Between baseball games, basketball camps, soccer tournaments, lacrosse clinics, and backyard fun with friends, many children spend the entire season running from one activity to the next.
But while parents are focused on sunscreen, hydration, and keeping up with busy schedules, there’s one thing that often gets overlooked: protecting kids’ smiles.
Sports-related mouth injuries are more common than many parents realize. According to the American Dental Association, about 200,000 oral injuries occur each year during sports activities. Those injuries can range from small cuts inside the mouth to broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, jaw injuries, and even concussions.
The good news? Many of these injuries are preventable.
Some Sports Carry Higher Risks
Different age groups tend to see different types of sports injuries. For children ages 7 to 12, baseball leads to the highest number of dental injuries. For teens ages 13 to 17, basketball is one of the biggest culprits, largely because of accidental elbows, collisions, and falls.
And it’s not just contact sports that put kids at risk. Any activity involving speed, balls, sticks, or physical contact can lead to dental trauma. Soccer, lacrosse, hockey, skateboarding, martial arts, and even recreational biking accidents can all result in significant dental injuries.
That’s why mouth protection matters so much.
Not All Mouthguards Are Equal
Many parents pick up a basic mouthguard at a sporting goods store and assume it’s enough. While store-bought “boil and bite” guards are certainly better than nothing, they don’t always provide the best fit or protection.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are good for kids who wear braces or Invisalign because they can be adjusted at home. However, they stay in place because the child is constantly clenching or biting down on them. Over the course of a long practice or game, which can lead to jaw fatigue, headaches, muscle soreness, and general discomfort.
Stock mouthguards can also feel bulky and uncomfortable. They may interfere with breathing or speaking, which often means kids take them out during games or practices. And the truth is, even the best mouthguard won’t help if it stays in the equipment bag.
There are higher-end athletic mouthguards, such as Shock Doctor mouthguards, which offer better protection and fit than many standard store-bought options. These are popular among serious athletes, especially those wearing braces, but they can cost anywhere from $50 to $60 each.
The best option is often a professionally made custom mouthguard.
Custom-made mouthguards are designed from an exact mold of a child’s teeth, creating a secure and comfortable fit that does not require constant biting or clenching to stay in place. Because the guard fits naturally and securely, athletes can keep their jaw relaxed while playing. That means less muscle tension, fewer headaches, less jaw fatigue, and greater comfort throughout games and practices.
A professionally fabricated custom mouthguard also allows for easier breathing and talking while providing superior protection against impact injuries. The impact absorption provided by a properly fitted mouthguard can reduce the risk of broken teeth and may also help protect against jaw fractures and neck injuries. Some early research has even suggested a possible reduction in concussion risk in children wearing higher-quality custom mouthguards.
Most importantly, kids are far more likely to actually wear a mouthguard that feels comfortable.
Some Kids Are at Higher Risk
Children with a significant overjet — often called “buck teeth” — are at greater risk for dental injuries during sports. Because the front teeth protrude farther forward, they are more vulnerable to impact. Early orthodontic treatment can help reduce that risk by improving tooth position before a child reaches the more active sports years.
Kids with braces also require special consideration when playing sports. A blow to the mouth can cause brackets or wires to cut the lips and cheeks, making proper mouth protection even more important for orthodontic patients.
It’s one more reason why regular dental and orthodontic evaluations matter for growing athletes.
A Local Program Helping Protect Student Athletes
Many local student athletes and teams visit Gellerman Orthodontics to be fitted for custom-made, extra-protection mouthguards before their sports seasons begin. Even better, the mouthguard program also supports a good cause. A $20 donation to Pink Aid Long Island — a local breast cancer support organization — is all that’s requested for a custom-made mouthguard.
It’s a simple way for families to protect their children while giving back to the community.
Sports Drinks and Summer Smiles
Hydration is always important during sports, especially during long summer practices and tournaments. But many kids reach for energy drinks or sports drinks without realizing how damaging they can be for teeth. Most sports and energy drinks are highly acidic and packed with sugar. Frequent exposure can weaken tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities over time.
Water is always the best option for hydration. If kids do drink sports beverages occasionally, rinsing with water afterward can help reduce acid and sugar exposure.
Protecting Smiles All Summer Long
Kids love sports, and parents love keeping their kids active, healthy, and safe. Protecting their smile should be part of that game plan. A quality mouthguard can go a long way toward preventing long-term problems.
A healthy smile is one of the best things a child will ever wear — both on and off the field.
