Athletics and Your Child’s Smile: How to Protect Teeth During School Sports

Knowing how to protect teeth during school sports will give you peace of mind while you cheer your kids on from the sidelines. Our beautiful mountain city offers year-round opportunities for kids to stay active and engaged in athletics, but amid all the excitement and physical development, many parents overlook dental safety.

At Cool Mountain Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in creating custom mouthguards and providing emergency dental care specifically designed for active children in our community. Our team is committed to ensuring your child maintains their winning smile through every season, from winter skiing to summer baseball and everything in between.

The Real Impact of Sports on Children's Teeth

Did you know that in the United States, a whopping 32% of facial and dental injuries are sports-related? Colorado Springs families are particularly active, with our community embracing everything from traditional team sports to mountain biking, skiing, and rock climbing. Our active lifestyle is terrific for children's development, but it also comes with some dental risks.

Some common sports-related dental injuries include:

• Chipped or fractured teeth: Even minor impacts can cause chips or cracks in tooth enamel
• Knocked-out teeth: Complete tooth avulsion
• Displaced teeth: Teeth that become loose or pushed out of position
• Soft tissue injuries: Lacerations to the gums, lips, or inside of the cheeks
• Root damage: Injuries that may not be immediately visible but can affect the tooth's nerve

Children participating in contact sports like hockey, football, and basketball face the highest risk, but even non-contact sports like baseball, gymnastics, and skateboarding can lead to dental injuries.

Why You Need to Protect Teeth During School Sports

"But they're just baby teeth, right?" While primary (baby) teeth will eventually fall out naturally, they still serve vital functions in your child's development:

• They hold space for permanent teeth
• They help with proper speech development
• They enable proper nutrition through chewing
• They contribute to your child's self-confidence and social development

For older children with permanent teeth, the stakes are even higher. A knocked-out permanent tooth is a definite dental emergency, with the clock ticking from the moment of injury. The faster a tooth is reimplanted, the better the chances of saving it.

Related: How to Know if Your Kid is Having a Dental Emergency

The Colorado Springs Sports Scene: Specific Dental Risks

Our beautiful city presents unique considerations when it comes to children's dental health and sports:

Seasonal Sports and Dental Concerns

• Winter Sports: Falls on icy slopes can lead to facial injuries, while cold temperatures can increase tooth sensitivity for some children.
• Spring/Summer Sports: Baseball, softball, and lacrosse involve equipment like bats and balls that can cause significant dental trauma if they make contact with the face.
• Year-Round Indoor Sports: Basketball, gymnastics, and wrestling each present unique dental risks, from falls on hard courts to impacts during tumbling or grappling.

Altitude Considerations

The high altitude in Colorado Springs affects more than just how winded your child might feel during a game. It can also lead to:

• Increased dehydration, which reduces protective saliva production
• "Barodontalgia" or "tooth squeeze", tooth pain caused by air pressure changes.

If you take the care to protect teeth during school sports, your child will be less likely to experience altitude-related issues.

Essential Protection Strategies for Young Athletes' Teeth

Now that you understand the risks, let's talk about practical solutions to protect teeth during school sports:

Custom-Fitted Mouthguards: The MVP of Dental Protection

If your child participates in sports, a properly fitted mouthguard is absolutely vital. While store-bought "boil and bite" mouthguards are better than nothing, they don't provide the same level of protection as a custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist. Custom mouthguards:

• Fit more comfortably, making your child more likely actually to wear it
• Provide better protection by precisely matching your child's unique dental anatomy
• Allow for easier breathing and communication during play
• Can be designed to accommodate other dental appliances, like braces
• Last longer than off-the-shelf options

At Cool Mountain Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we create custom athletic mouthguards specifically designed to protect teeth during school sports. Dr. Derek takes into account your child's specific sport, age, and dental development when crafting the perfect protective mouthguard.

Beyond Mouthguards: Comprehensive Protection

While mouthguards are the front line of defense, complete dental protection for young athletes involves several components:

• Helmets with face guards: For sports like football, hockey, and baseball (when batting), ensure your child wears appropriate headgear that includes face protection.
• Proper technique training: Many dental injuries occur due to improper form or technique. Ensure your child receives quality coaching that emphasizes safety.
• Regular dental check-ups: Teeth with untreated decay or other issues are more vulnerable to sports injuries. You can protect teeth during school sports by keeping up with your child's routine dental care.
• Hydration habits: Proper hydration maintains saliva production, which helps protect teeth, especially vital in our dry Colorado climate.

Making Dental Safety Part of the Game Plan

Integrating dental safety into your child's sports routine doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some practical tips to protect teeth during school sports:

• Pack a dental emergency kit: Include contact information for your dentist, gauze, a small container with a lid (in case a tooth is knocked out), and saline solution.
• Communicate with coaches: Make sure your child's coaches know about their mouthguard requirements and any specific dental concerns.
• Schedule smart: Try to arrange routine dental check-ups before sports seasons begin so that any potential issues can be addressed proactively.
• Create a habit: Just like putting on shin guards or a helmet, inserting a mouthguard should become an automatic part of gearing up for practice or games.
• Lead by example: If you participate in sports yourself, show your child that you also prioritize dental protection.

The Long-Term Benefits of Protecting Young Athletes' Teeth

Investing the time and resources to protect teeth during school sports offers lasting benefits:

• Financial savings: Preventing dental injuries is far less expensive than treating them. A custom mouthguard costs a fraction of emergency dental work.
• Lifetime habits: Teaching your child to protect their teeth during sports establishes health-conscious habits that can last a lifetime.
• Uninterrupted activity: Dental injuries often result in time away from sports and other activities. Prevention helps keep your child in the game.
• Comfort during play: Children who aren't worried about dental pain or injuries can focus better on improving their skills and enjoying their sport.

Why Choose Cool Mountain Kids Pediatric Dentistry for Your Young Athlete

At Cool Mountain Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we protect teeth during school sports through:

• Custom-fitted mouthguards: Precisely tailored to your child's mouth for maximum protection and comfort
• Pre-season dental evaluations: Identifying and addressing any issues before they can be complicated by sports activities
• Emergency dental care: When accidents happen, we're prepared to provide prompt treatment
• Education for the whole family: We'll make sure you and your child understand the importance of dental protection during sports
• Sedation options: For young athletes who may be anxious about dental procedures, especially following a sports injury

We understand that some children may be apprehensive about dental visits, especially after experiencing a sports-related injury. Our team excels at creating a comfortable, positive environment that helps children overcome dental anxiety.

Read Also: Is Your Child Nervous About the Dentist? Playful Games and Jokes That Turn Anxiety Into Smiles

Protect Teeth During School Sports with Cool Mountain Kids Pediatric Dentistry

At Cool Mountain Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we welcome patients from infancy through adolescence, as well as patients with special needs. Our mission is to make your child's next dental visit a positive and comfortable experience while ensuring they have the protection they need for all their athletic pursuits.

Don't wait for a dental emergency to occur during your child's next game or practice. Call Cool Mountain Kids Pediatric Dentistry today or schedule an appointment online for your young athlete. Whether you need a custom mouthguard, a comprehensive dental check-up, or simply want to discuss dental safety strategies specific to your child's sport, Dr. Derek and our team are here to help.