As pediatric dental specialists, we see the results of every season: chipped front teeth from a stray elbow in basketball, a knocked out tooth from a soccer collision, a bitten lip from a hard fall at the skate park. Most of these injuries share one thing in common. They were preventable with a simple, inexpensive piece of gear: a mouthguard.
Here is what every Chapel Hill parent should know before the first whistle blows.
Why Mouthguards Matter More Than Most Parents Realize
Dental injuries are among the most common sports injuries in children, and the numbers are striking:
- The American Dental Association estimates that athletes who do not wear mouthguards are about 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries.
- Basketball and baseball actually account for more youth dental injuries than football, largely because mouthguards are not required in those sports.
- A single knocked out permanent tooth can mean a lifetime of dental work, with costs that add up to many times the price of a good mouthguard.
Beyond the teeth themselves, mouthguards also cushion the lips, cheeks, tongue, and jaw. Some research suggests they may help reduce the severity of certain jaw injuries as well.
Which Sports Call for a Mouthguard?
The short answer: any sport with a risk of contact, collision, or falls. That list is longer than most parents expect:
- Football, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey
- Basketball (one of the biggest sources of kids' dental injuries we see)
- Baseball and softball, especially for infielders
- Wrestling and martial arts
- Skateboarding, scooters, and BMX riding
- Gymnastics and cheerleading
A good rule of thumb: if your child wears a helmet, pads, or cleats for an activity, a mouthguard belongs in the gear bag too.
Stock, Boil and Bite, or Custom: Which Mouthguard Is Best?
There are three main types, and each has a place:
- Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear. They are the cheapest option, but they fit poorly, make breathing and talking harder, and kids tend to chew on them instead of wearing them. We generally do not recommend them.
- Boil and bite mouthguards soften in hot water and mold to your child's teeth at home. They offer a much better fit for a modest price and are a solid choice for most young athletes, especially those whose mouths are still growing and changing.
- Custom mouthguards are made by your pediatric dentist from an impression of your child's teeth. They offer the best fit, comfort, and protection, and kids are far more likely to actually keep them in during play. They are especially worthwhile for kids with braces or those in high contact sports.
One important note for growing kids: a mouthguard that fit in August may not fit by spring. Children's mouths change quickly, so check the fit regularly and plan on replacing boil and bite guards each season, or sooner if your child loses a tooth or gets new dental work.
What About Kids With Braces?
Kids in orthodontic treatment actually need mouthguards more, not less. A blow to the mouth with braces can cut the lips and cheeks badly and damage brackets and wires. Special orthodontic mouthguards are designed to fit over brackets, and a custom option is often the most comfortable choice. If your child is in treatment, ask us what we recommend for their sport.
If a Dental Injury Happens Anyway
Even with great protection, accidents happen. If your child chips, cracks, or knocks out a tooth on the field, quick action makes a real difference:
- For a knocked out permanent tooth, hold it by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try to place it back in the socket or store it in milk.
- Call your pediatric dentist right away. Time matters, especially within the first 30 to 60 minutes.
- Baby teeth that are knocked out should not be reinserted, but your child should still be seen promptly.
Our team provides emergency dental care for kids in Chapel Hill, and we are always happy to talk parents through what to do in those first stressful minutes.
Making the Mouthguard Habit Stick
The best mouthguard is the one your child actually wears. A few tips from our own experience with young athletes:
- Let your child pick the color or design. Ownership builds buy in.
- Keep it in the gear bag, not at home in a drawer.
- Rinse it after every use and store it in a ventilated case.
- Model the habit if you play sports yourself.
Protect That Smile Before the Season Starts
Fall practices are starting now, which makes this the perfect week to get your child's mouthguard sorted. If you would like help choosing the right option, want a custom guard made, or just need a fall checkup before the schedule gets hectic, we would love to see you. Dr. Alex, Dr. Kevin, and our whole team care for young athletes from Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, Pittsboro, and across Chatham County. Request an appointment today, and let's keep that smile in the game.