Youth sports are an important part of childhood in The Woodlands, but they also come with risks, especially to your child’s smile. Dental injuries like chipped teeth, jaw fractures, and soft tissue cuts are common during games and practices, especially in contact sports. As a parent, the best way to prevent these injuries is to understand how to keep your child’s mouth safe and protected.
At Growing Great Grins, we specialize in pediatric dental care and custom mouthguards designed specifically for active kids. Whether your child plays football, soccer, or even skateboards recreationally, we’re here to help you take the right steps to protect their teeth.
Dental safety protects your child’s teeth, jaw, and soft tissues from trauma during physical activity. Many common sports carry a high risk of oral injuries, especially when children play without proper protection like a mouthguard.
Children can experience a range of dental injuries while playing sports, including:
These injuries can be painful, expensive to fix, and emotionally stressful for children. Preventing them starts with awareness and the right protective equipment.
Contact and fast-paced sports tend to pose the greatest risk to your child’s smile. Common high-risk activities include:
Here in The Woodlands, youth leagues and school sports are popular year-round, making dental safety an ongoing priority for parents and coaches alike.
The best mouthguards for kids are custom-fitted by a pediatric dentist to ensure comfort, protection, and durability. While over-the-counter options exist, custom mouthguards provide the most reliable defense against sports-related dental injuries.
There are three main types of mouthguards available for children:
Custom mouthguards are the gold standard for sports protection, especially for kids with braces, unique bite patterns, or special dental needs.
Custom mouthguards are recommended because they significantly reduce the risk of oral trauma. They’re designed specifically for your child’s anatomy, which helps distribute impact forces more evenly and reduces injury severity. At Growing Great Grins in The Woodlands, we tailor each mouthguard to match your child’s age, dental structure, and sport type.
Children should start wearing a mouthguard as soon as they begin participating in sports with any risk of contact or falls. This includes contact sports like football and basketball, as well as high-motion activities like gymnastics or skating.
Most children benefit from wearing a mouthguard by age 6 or 7, depending on the sport and level of physical activity. If your child is active in youth leagues, plays rough recreationally, or wears braces, it’s a good idea to ask your pediatric dentist about mouthguard options.
Early use builds habits and provides protection during years when a child’s teeth and jaw are still developing.
Yes, mouthguards aren’t just for full-contact sports. Activities like baseball, soccer, gymnastics, cheerleading, and even biking or skateboarding can lead to accidental falls or collisions. In The Woodlands, where many kids are involved in year-round outdoor activities, wearing a mouthguard during any high-impact movement is a smart choice.
If your child suffers a dental injury during sports, act quickly to prevent long-term damage. The most important step is to contact your pediatric dentist immediately and follow emergency first aid steps until you’re able to get care.
When a permanent tooth is knocked out:
If handled quickly and properly, a knocked-out tooth can sometimes be re-implanted successfully.
Seek dental care right away if your child experiences:
At Growing Great Grins in The Woodlands, we offer urgent dental care for children and can help manage sports-related dental emergencies with expertise and compassion. Don’t wait, fast action can save your child’s tooth and reduce the risk of complications.
Proper maintenance of your child’s mouthguard keeps it effective, hygienic, and long-lasting. A clean, well-fitting mouthguard is more comfortable and provides better protection during sports activities.
Mouthguards should be:
Replace your child’s mouthguard every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if:
You may need to replace the mouthguard if you notice:
At our pediatric dental office in The Woodlands, regular checkups are part of our general and preventive dentistry for kids, helping us monitor mouthguard fit and recommend timely replacements.
The best place to get a custom mouthguard for your child is at a pediatric dental office that understands how to tailor protection to growing smiles. A professionally fitted mouthguard ensures your child’s comfort, safety, and performance on the field.
Pediatric dentists are trained to accommodate children’s dental development, including baby teeth, mixed dentition, and orthodontic appliances. Custom-fitted mouthguards:
They’re also less likely to be chewed or discarded mid-game, a common issue with store-bought options.
At Growing Great Grins, we provide custom sports mouthguards for children in The Woodlands that are specifically designed to fit your child’s mouth and sport. Our pediatric team ensures the process is easy and stress-free, with friendly care tailored to every child’s needs, including those who benefit from sedation dentistry in The Woodlands.
Schedule a fitting during your child’s regular exam or contact us directly for a custom consultation.
Are custom mouthguards worth it for children?
Yes, custom mouthguards offer better fit, comfort, and protection than store-bought options. They’re made specifically for your child’s teeth and are less likely to fall out or be chewed during play.
What sports put my child’s teeth most at risk?
Contact sports like football, hockey, and basketball have the highest risk. However, even in The Woodlands, kids involved in skateboarding, gymnastics, or baseball can experience dental injuries.
How often should a child’s mouthguard be replaced?
Mouthguards should be replaced every 6–12 months or sooner if damaged or outgrown. Your child’s dentist can assess fit during routine checkups.
Can a mouthguard help prevent concussions in kids?
Yes, while not a guarantee, custom-fitted mouthguards may reduce the risk of concussions by absorbing shock from impacts.
Where can I get a custom mouthguard in The Woodlands?
Growing Great Grins offers custom-fitted mouthguards in The Woodlands, designed specifically for pediatric patients and active kids of all ages.
What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth during a game?
Keep the tooth moist in milk or saline, avoid touching the root, and call your pediatric dentist in The Woodlands immediately. Fast care improves the chance of saving the tooth.
Dental injuries in sports are common, but they’re also highly preventable. With the right mouthguard, early education, and expert pediatric support, you can keep your child’s teeth safe during every game, practice, or play session. From choosing the best protection to knowing how to respond to an emergency, parents in The Woodlands have trusted resources available.
At Growing Great Grins, we specialize in custom mouthguards and sports dentistry for children in The Woodlands. Schedule your child’s fitting today and give them the confidence to play hard, with a healthy smile that lasts.
Youth sports are an important part of childhood in The Woodlands, but they also come with risks, especially to your child’s smile. Dental injuries like chipped teeth, jaw fractures, and soft tissue cuts are common during games and practices, especially in contact sports. As a parent, the best way to… Read More…
