April is National Facial Protection Month, an annual reminder from the American Dental Association and several major sports medicine organizations to think seriously about protecting your face and teeth during athletic activity. As spring sports ramp up across Indianapolis, from baseball and lacrosse to soccer and track, it is the perfect time for families at Olive Branch Dental to revisit how well their teeth are actually protected during practice and play.
Why Facial Protection Deserves Its Own Awareness Month
Dental injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries, yet mouthguards remain widely underused outside of contact sports like football and hockey. Studies have shown that athletes who do not wear a mouthguard are significantly more likely to sustain a dental injury than those who do, and the damage is not limited to obvious contact sports. Baseball, basketball, soccer, and even recreational activities like skateboarding and biking send patients to dental offices every year with chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth that a simple mouthguard could have prevented.
The Real Cost of Skipping a Mouthguard
A knocked-out or badly fractured tooth is not just painful in the moment, it can mean months or years of follow-up treatment, from root canals and crowns to implants, depending on the severity of the injury. Beyond the financial cost, dental injuries can affect a young athlete’s confidence, speech, and eating for weeks during recovery. A properly fitted mouthguard is one of the most cost-effective pieces of protective equipment an athlete can own, especially compared to the cost of repairing a serious dental injury.
Store-Bought vs. Custom Mouthguards
Generic, boil-and-bite mouthguards found at sporting goods stores offer some protection and are far better than nothing, but they often fit loosely, which can make them uncomfortable enough that kids simply stop wearing them. A custom mouthguard, made from an impression of your child’s actual teeth, fits precisely, stays securely in place during play, and allows for easier breathing and speaking compared to bulky generic options. For young athletes who are serious about their sport, a custom mouthguard is often worth the investment in both protection and consistent use.
Which Sports Really Need a Mouthguard?
While football, hockey, boxing, and wrestling are the obvious contact sports where mouthguards are standard, dental injuries are common in a much wider range of activities. Basketball involves frequent elbow contact near the face. Baseball and softball carry risk from fast-moving balls and bats. Soccer players collide during headers and defensive plays. Even non-contact activities like skateboarding, cycling, and gymnastics carry meaningful fall risk. As a general rule, any activity with a risk of falling or unexpected contact is a reasonable candidate for a mouthguard.
Mouthguards for Orthodontic Patients
Athletes wearing braces face unique risks, since a hard impact can damage brackets and wires or cause the wires to injure soft tissue inside the mouth. Special orthodontic mouthguards are designed to accommodate braces while still providing full protection, and our team can help fit one that works with your child’s specific orthodontic treatment.
Caring for a Mouthguard
Rinse a mouthguard with cool water or mouthwash before and after each use, and clean it occasionally with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Store it in a ventilated, rigid case to protect it from damage between uses, and avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or a hot car, which can warp the material. Custom mouthguards typically need replacement as a child’s mouth grows or if the material becomes worn, so periodic checks during your regular dental visits help ensure a proper fit.
Beyond the Mouthguard: Other Ways to Protect Young Smiles
Facial protection also includes properly fitted helmets and face shields for sports that require them, along with general awareness of playing surfaces and equipment. Encouraging kids to speak up about any mouth pain or looseness in a tooth after an impact, rather than shrugging it off, helps ensure injuries get evaluated promptly rather than becoming bigger problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do store-bought mouthguards offer enough protection?
They offer meaningfully more protection than nothing, but a custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist provides a more secure fit and better overall protection, especially for higher-risk sports.
How often should a custom mouthguard be replaced?
Growing children often need a new mouthguard every season or two as their mouth develops, while adults may get several years of use from a well-maintained custom mouthguard.
Can a mouthguard be worn with braces?
Yes, special orthodontic mouthguards are designed specifically to protect braces and the surrounding soft tissue during sports.
What should I do if my child gets hit in the mouth during a game?
Check for bleeding, loose or knocked-out teeth, and visible cracks, and contact our office promptly. Even if damage is not immediately obvious, an evaluation can catch hidden issues early.
Is a mouthguard necessary for non-contact sports?
Any activity with fall risk or unpredictable contact, including biking, skateboarding, and gymnastics, can benefit from a mouthguard as a simple precaution.
Protect Your Athlete’s Smile This Season
In honor of National Facial Protection Month, now is a great time to schedule a custom mouthguard fitting at Olive Branch Dental. Contact our Indianapolis office today to keep your young athlete’s smile protected all season long.
