The Most Common Dental Injuries in Youth Sports
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
From soccer and basketball to baseball, gymnastics, and football, youth sports help children stay active, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills. But with all that movement and speed comes the possibility of accidents. Dental injuries are some of the most common facial injuries in young athletes, and knowing how to prevent and treat them can help protect your child's smile.
In this article, you will learn:
The most common dental injuries seen in youth sports
What to do if your child experiences a dental emergency
How a properly fitted mouthguard can help prevent injuries
The Most Common Sports-Related Dental Injuries
Chipped or Broken Teeth
A chipped or broken tooth is one of the most common sports injuries. Whether caused by a collision, fall, or ball to the face, even a small chip should be evaluated by a dentist. Damage that seems minor can expose the tooth to sensitivity, decay, or future fractures.
Knocked-Out Permanent Teeth
A permanent tooth that has been completely knocked out is a dental emergency. If this happens:
Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root).
Gently rinse it if it's dirty
If possible, place it back into the socket.
If that isn't possible, store it in milk and call your pediatric dentist immediately.
The sooner treatment begins, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
Important: Avoid storing the tooth in water or wrapping it in a paper towel.
Loose Teeth and Soft Tissue Injuries
A hard impact to the face can loosen a tooth or cause cuts to the lips, cheeks, or tongue. While many mouth cuts heal quickly, continued bleeding, swelling, or a tooth that has shifted position should be evaluated promptly to prevent further complications.
Which Sports Have the Highest Risk?
While football and hockey are often associated with dental injuries, they can happen in nearly any sport. Basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, wrestling, cheerleading, gymnastics, skateboarding, and biking all carry a risk of mouth injuries from falls or collisions.
No matter the activity, wearing the right protective equipment is one of the best ways to reduce that risk.
The Importance of a Mouthguard
A mouthguard helps absorb the force of an impact, reducing the risk of broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, cuts to the mouth, and jaw injuries.
Store-bought mouthguards offer basic protection, but custom-fitted mouthguards are also an option.
When Should You Call the Dentist?
Contact your pediatric dentist right away if your child has:
A chipped or broken tooth
A loose or knocked-out permanent tooth
Persistent bleeding after a mouth injury
Swelling or severe tooth pain
Difficulty biting or chewing after an accident
Even injuries that don't seem serious can affect developing teeth, so it's always best to have them evaluated.
Protecting Every Smile
Sports are an important part of growing up, and most injuries can be prevented with the right precautions. Encourage your child to wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth from injury during sports.
