Sports and Dental Safety for Kids

Smile Makeover: What Are the Options?

Sports are a great way for kids to stay active, build confidence, and have fun, but they can also pose risks to their teeth. Whether it’s a stray elbow in basketball or a tumble on the soccer field, dental injuries are common in youth sports. Fortunately, with the right precautions, you can protect your child’s smile while they enjoy the game. At Maroubra Dental Clinic, we’re committed to helping families like Lisa’s feel confident about their kids’ dental safety. Let’s explore why protecting teeth during sports is essential and how a custom mouthguard can make all the difference.

The Risks of Sports-Related Dental Injuries

Lisa’s 10-year-old son, Jake, loves playing rugby, but she was worried after hearing about a teammate who chipped a tooth during a game. Dental injuries like chipped, cracked, or even knocked-out teeth are common in contact sports—and they’re not limited to high-impact games.

Here are the most common dental injuries we see:

• Chipped or Fractured Teeth: Often caused by direct contact with a ball, equipment, or another player.
• Knocked-Out Teeth: A blow to the mouth can result in avulsion, where the tooth is completely dislodged.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Cuts to the lips, tongue, or cheeks can happen during falls or collisions.
• Jaw Injuries: Impact can cause misalignment or fractures in the jaw.

The Importance of a Custom Mouthguard

While over-the-counter mouthguards are available, they often don’t provide the same level of protection or comfort as a custom-made one. That’s why we recommend custom mouthguards for active kids.

Why Choose a Custom Mouthguard?

1. Superior Fit: Custom mouthguards are moulded to your child’s teeth, ensuring a snug fit that won’t slip during play.
2. Better Protection: They offer maximum cushioning to absorb impact and protect both teeth and jaws.
3. Comfortable to Wear: A proper fit makes it easier to breathe and talk, so kids are more likely to keep it in during the game.
4. Durable: Custom mouthguards are made from high-quality materials designed to withstand rigorous use.

Other Precautions for Dental Safety in Sports

In addition to wearing a mouthguard, here are some extra steps parents can take to protect their kids’ smiles:

1. Encourage Good Oral Hygiene

   • Strong, healthy teeth are more resistant to injury. Ensure your child brushes and flosses daily and visits the dentist regularly.

2. Monitor Equipment Use

   • Helmets and face shields are essential for some sports, like cricket or hockey, to provide additional protection for the face and mouth.

3. Act Quickly After an Injury

   • If a tooth is knocked out, place it in milk or saliva and seek dental care immediately. Timing is critical for saving the tooth.

4. Educate Your Child

   • Teach kids about the importance of using their mouthguard and avoiding risky behaviour like chewing on hard objects or biting equipment straps.

Lisa’s Experience: Peace of Mind with a Custom Mouthguard

After Jake’s rugby teammate’s injury, Lisa brought him in for a consultation at Maroubra Dental Clinic. During the visit, we took an impression of Jake’s teeth and created a custom mouthguard designed for his sport.

Lisa says:
"Knowing Jake’s teeth are protected gives me so much peace of mind. The mouthguard fits perfectly, and he says it’s super comfortable!"

Why Choose Maroubra Dental for Your Child’s Mouthguard?

At Maroubra Dental Clinic, we specialise in crafting high-quality, custom-fit mouthguards that are:

• Tailored to Your Child’s Needs: Whether they play rugby, soccer, basketball, or any other sport, we customise each mouthguard for their specific activity.
• Durable and Long-Lasting: Our mouthguards are made from premium materials for optimal protection.
• Convenient and Quick: We offer fast fittings and turnaround times, so your child is game-ready in no time.

Protect Your Child’s Smile Today

Don’t let dental injuries sideline your child. With a custom mouthguard from Maroubra Dental Clinic, you can ensure they’re protected and ready to play their best.

Get a custom mouthguard for your child—schedule a fitting today.