The Importance of Mouthguards and Facial Protection in Spring Sports

Spring sports are back, which means more practices, games, and time outdoors. It also means a higher chance of sports-related dental injuries, especially for kids and teens. The good news is that many of these injuries are preventable with one simple habit: wearing the right mouthguard every time.

A mouthguard isn't just "extra gear." It's protection for teeth, lips, gums, and the jaw, often the difference between a close call and an emergency visit.

Dental injuries don't only happen in football or hockey. Accidents can occur in sports that involve fast movement and collisions, balls, bats, sticks, or elbows, and falls, especially on hard surfaces.

Spring sports where mouthguards are strongly recommended include basketball, soccer, baseball/softball, lacrosse, hockey, skateboarding/scooters, martial arts, and volleyball (yes, teeth injuries happen here too).

The most common sports-related dental issues include chipped or cracked teeth, knocked-out teeth, cuts to lips and cheeks, jaw injuries, and damage to braces and orthodontic wires.

Not all mouthguards protect equally, and comfort matters because uncomfortable guards don't get worn consistently.

Stock mouthguards (pre-formed) are the cheapest and fastest to buy, but they're bulky, fit poorly, make breathing and talking difficult, and offer the least protection.

Boil-and-bite mouthguards offer a better fit than stock options and are widely available, but the fit is still imperfect; they can loosen over time, and kids often stop wearing them.

Custom mouthguards (dentist-made) provide the best fit and are most comfortable. They're easier to breathe and speak with, stay in place during play, use stronger and more durable materials, and offer the highest level of protection.

Bottom line: If your child plays regularly (or if you play in a league yourself), a custom mouthguard is usually the best long-term choice, especially compared to the cost of repairing a broken or knocked-out tooth.

Many injuries happen during practice because guards are "optional" in training, kids take more risks or get more relaxed, and there's less protective equipment overall.

The rule that works: No mouthguard = no play (practice included).

If your child has braces, a mouthguard is even more important. Impacts can cause cuts inside the cheeks and lips from brackets, broken brackets and wires, and tooth trauma under the braces.

There are mouthguards designed for orthodontic treatment, and custom options can be made with braces in mind. If braces are in the plan soon, tell your dental team. Timing can affect the best mouthguard type.

Mouthguards are key, but they work best as part of full protection, especially in higher-risk sports.

Consider additional gear such as helmets with face cages (baseball/softball, hockey, lacrosse), sport goggles (basketball, racquet sports), and properly fitted helmets (skateboarding, biking, scooters).

A mouthguard protects the teeth and jaw. Facial protection helps reduce direct impact to the face that can cause tooth injury in the first place.

A mouthguard won't protect well if it's damaged, dirty, or warped.

Simple care: Rinse before and after use. Brush it gently with a toothbrush using cool water. Store it in a ventilated case and keep it away from heat (hot car dashboards are mouthguard killers). Replace it if it's cracked, loose, or misshapen, and bring it to dental visits so we can check the fit.

For kids, mouthguards may need replacing as they grow, especially during growth spurts.

Even a "small" sports injury can lead to emergency dental visits, X-rays, restorations, or root canals, long-term cosmetic repairs, and time away from sports and school.

A well-fitted mouthguard is one of the easiest ways to protect your child's smile and your peace of mind through the entire season.