Summer means longer days packed with baseball games, swim meets, bike rides, and pickup basketball at the park. It also means a spike in dental injuries among young athletes, many of which could have been prevented with a properly fitted mouthguard. At Olive Branch Dental, we want Indianapolis families to head into the season prepared, because protecting a growing smile is far easier than repairing one after an injury.
Why Summer Sports Carry Extra Dental Risk
Summer activity levels tend to spike compared to the school year, with kids spending more unstructured time on bikes, skateboards, at the pool, and in pickup games without the same level of adult supervision or protective gear often required during organized school sports. This combination of increased activity and reduced structure makes summer a peak season for dental injuries in children and teens.
The Real Risk Across Different Summer Sports
Baseball and softball carry risk from fast pitches, bats, and collisions on the base paths. Basketball involves frequent elbow and hand contact near the face during rebounds and defense. Swimming and diving carry fall and collision risk around pools and diving boards. Biking and skateboarding present a high risk of falls directly onto the face and mouth. Even recreational activities like trampoline parks and playground play send a steady stream of dental injuries to emergency rooms and dental offices each summer.
What a Custom Mouthguard Actually Protects Against
A properly fitted mouthguard cushions the impact of a fall or collision, helping prevent chipped or fractured teeth, knocked-out teeth, cuts to the lips, cheeks, and tongue, and in some cases, jaw fractures or concussions by absorbing and distributing impact forces. For young athletes still developing permanent teeth, a mouthguard also helps protect teeth that are more vulnerable during eruption.
Custom-Fitted vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards
Boil-and-bite mouthguards from sporting goods stores are better than nothing, but they often fit loosely, making them uncomfortable enough that many kids remove them during play, defeating their purpose entirely. A custom mouthguard, made from an impression of your child’s teeth at our office, stays securely in place, allows for more comfortable breathing and speaking, and is far more likely to actually be worn consistently throughout a game or practice.
Fitting a Mouthguard for a Growing Mouth
Because children’s mouths change quickly as permanent teeth come in and jaws grow, a mouthguard that fit well last summer may not fit properly this year. We recommend checking the fit of a custom mouthguard at each regular checkup, and replacing it as needed to ensure continued protection as your child grows throughout their youth sports years.
What to Do If an Injury Happens Anyway
Even with a mouthguard, accidents can still occur. If a tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown only, rinse gently if dirty, and try to keep it moist in milk or saliva while getting to a dentist as quickly as possible, ideally within an hour. For a chipped tooth, save any fragments, rinse the mouth, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling while arranging prompt evaluation.
Building Mouthguard Habits That Stick
Encouraging consistent mouthguard use starts with making it a normal, expected part of getting ready for practice or a game, just like putting on cleats or a helmet. Keeping the mouthguard in its case attached to a sports bag, rather than loose, helps prevent it from being forgotten or lost between uses, and involving kids in choosing a color or style can make them more enthusiastic about wearing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sports actually require a mouthguard?
Contact sports like football, hockey, and wrestling typically require one, but we recommend mouthguards for a much wider range of activities, including basketball, baseball, biking, and skateboarding, given their real injury risk.
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
For growing children, a custom mouthguard often needs replacement every season or two as their mouth develops. Adults typically get several years of use from a well-maintained mouthguard.
Can a mouthguard be worn with braces?
Yes, we offer mouthguards specifically designed to accommodate braces while still providing full protection for teeth and surrounding soft tissue.
How do I clean my child’s mouthguard?
Rinse it with cool water before and after each use, occasionally clean it with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, and store it in a ventilated case away from heat.
What should I do immediately after a mouth injury during sports?
Rinse gently, control any bleeding with clean gauze, apply a cold compress, and contact our office promptly, even if the injury seems minor at first.
Get Fitted for a Custom Mouthguard This Summer
Do not wait until an injury happens to think about protection. Schedule a custom mouthguard fitting at Olive Branch Dental in Indianapolis today and give your young athlete’s smile the protection it deserves all summer long.
