Fall Sports Smiles

Wear the Right Mouthguard

A properly fitting mouthguard can help protect the teeth, lips, and cheeks during activities where contact or falls may occur.

Mouthguards are especially important in contact sports, but they can also be useful in activities where players may collide, fall, or be struck by a ball or equipment.

A good mouthguard should fit comfortably enough that the wearer can breathe and communicate without constantly removing it.

For children and teens with braces, additional protection may be helpful because an impact can injure both the teeth and the soft tissues around the brackets and wires.

If you are unsure which type of mouthguard is appropriate, ask your dentist what may work best for the activity and the individual.

Check the Mouthguard Regularly

A mouthguard that fit well last season may not fit the same way today.

Children and teenagers grow, teeth move, and mouthguards gradually wear down.

Inspect the mouthguard regularly for:

• Cracks or tears
• Areas that have been chewed through
• Rough or sharp edges
• Changes in fit
• Excessive wear
• Odor or buildup that does not clean away easily

After use, rinse the mouthguard and allow it to dry before storing it in a ventilated container.

If it becomes damaged, uncomfortable, or no longer fits securely, replacement may be appropriate.

Remember That Dental Injuries Are Not Limited to Football

Football may be one of the first sports people associate with mouthguards, but dental injuries can occur in many activities.

Basketball players can collide under the basket. Soccer players may take an accidental elbow or ball to the face. Baseball and softball involve fast-moving equipment. Martial arts and skateboarding can involve falls or direct impact.

The important question is not simply whether a sport is traditionally considered a “contact sport.”

Consider whether the activity involves:

• Contact with other players
• Fast-moving balls or equipment
• Falls
• Hard playing surfaces
• Accidental impacts to the face or mouth

When those risks are present, protecting the teeth is worth considering.

Know What to Do if a Tooth Is Injured

Even with good preparation, accidents can still happen.

If a tooth is chipped or broken, save any pieces if possible and avoid chewing on the injured side until the tooth can be evaluated.

A knocked-out permanent tooth is more time-sensitive.

Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root. If it is dirty, gently rinse it without scrubbing. Keep it moist, preferably in milk or saliva, and seek dental care right away.

A knocked-out baby tooth should not be placed back into the socket.

Knowing these basic steps before an injury happens can make a stressful situation easier to manage.

Keep Important Contact Information Handy

Preparation matters.

Before the season starts, save your dentist’s contact information somewhere easy to find so you know who to call if a dental injury happens.

Parents, coaches, and caregivers may also want to know who will be responsible for contacting a parent or seeking medical or dental care if an injury occurs during a game or practice.

Healthy Habits Help Protect Active Smiles

Sports are a great way for children and adults to stay active, build confidence, and enjoy time with teammates and friends.

Dental injuries should not keep families from participating.

A well-fitting mouthguard, regular equipment checks, and a little preparation can go a long way toward protecting healthy smiles throughout the fall sports season.

Whether your family is heading to a school game, recreational league, martial arts class, or weekend activity around Norco, knowing how to protect the teeth — and what to do if an accident happens — can make all the difference.