Sports injuries and children’s teeth: How to protect your child

Children’s sport is fantastic, but it can come with risks that many parents may not always consider. Dental sports injuries in children who participate in contact or fast-paced sports are more common than we realise, but yet many young athletes still play without a sports mouthguard for children .

In the UK, protecting children’s teeth during sport is becoming increasingly important as participation in football, rugby and gymnastics continues to grow.

At Toothbeary, we regularly see the impact of preventable dental injuries, which is why we’re passionate about helping families understand how to protect their child’s smile, both on and off the field.

Protecting your child’s teeth during sport

Whether it’s football, rugby, hockey, gymnastics or even skateboarding, children’s teeth can be vulnerable to knocks, falls and accidents.

A sudden impact can cause:

• Broken or chipped teeth
• Teeth being forced out of alignment
• Teeth being completely knocked out

The good news is that many of these injuries can be prevented with the right protection. A straightforward device, such as a sports mouthguard for children, can greatly reduce the risk of serious damage.

Despite this, many children still play sports without one, often because parents underestimate just how common dental sports injuries can be.

The most common sporting dental injuries

Understanding the most frequent dental sports injuries in children helps parents act quickly and know when urgent dental care is needed.

Sports-related dental injuries can occur suddenly and unexpectedly; some of the most common we see and treat include:

Chipped or broken teeth

These can range from minor enamel chips to more severe fractures and are frequently caused by direct contact.

Luxation injuries (loose or displaced teeth)

After a fall or impact, a tooth may be forced outward, inward, or sideways.

Knocked-out teeth (avulsion)

This is one of the most serious injuries and requires immediate action to have the best chance of saving the tooth.

Soft tissue injuries

Lips, cheeks and tongues can also be cut during impact, especially without protection.

Even non-contact sports can carry risk, particularly where falls are involved.

Why a custom mouthguard matters

Not every mouthguard is made equally. Although store bought choices are better than nothing, children are less inclined to wear them often because they frequently fit poorly and may be uncomfortable.

A custom-made mouthguard, provided by a dental professional, offers:

• A precise, comfortable fit
• Better shock absorption
• Easier breathing and speaking
• Greater likelihood your child will actually wear it

Most importantly, it provides significantly better protection for your teeth, gums and jaws.

Think of it like a helmet for your child’s smile, small investment, big protection.

What to do if an injury happens during a game

Even with precautions, accidents can still happen. Knowing how to react quickly to a dental sports injury in a child can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

If a tooth is knocked out:

• Stay calm and act quickly
• Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root)
• If possible, gently rinse it (do not scrub)
• Try to place it back in the socket, or store it in milk ( if a primary or baby tooth)
• Seek dental care immediately (ideally within 30–60 minutes)

If a tooth is chipped or broken:

• Rinse the mouth with water
• Try to find and keep any broken pieces
• Contact your dentist as soon as possible

If a tooth is loose or displaced:

• Avoid touching or wiggling it
• Seek urgent dental advice

Prevention first, always

At Toothbeary, we believe that prevention is the way forward, especially when it comes to dental trauma.

Wearing a mouthguard during sport may seem like a small step, but it can prevent pain, stress and complex dental treatment later on. Helping children build this habit early means they’re more likely to protect their smiles for life.

A simple step to protect a lifetime smile

Sports should be fun, but also safe and enable children to build confidence. By taking simple preventative measures like using a well-fitted mouthguard and knowing what to do in an emergency, parents can feel confident that their child’s smile is protected.

Because when it comes to teeth, a small moment of protection can make a lifelong difference.