Athletes and oral health go hand in hand, yet dental care is often overlooked when it comes to sports injury prevention. If you or your child plays sports, you already know how important it is to stay healthy and avoid injuries. But while most athletes think about protecting their knees, elbows, or heads, there’s one area that often gets overlooked: your teeth.

Sports-related dental injuries are more common than people realize, especially among kids and teens. It could be an impact injury during a basketball game or a fall while biking that leads to chipped teeth, a busted lip, or even a broken jaw. The good news is that many of these injuries can be avoided with the right preparation and gear.

If you’re part of the athletic community, here’s what you should know about keeping your smile safe while staying active.

How Sports Can Affect Your Teeth

Playing sports brings a lot of benefits—better fitness, teamwork, discipline—but it also comes with risks. Contact sports like football, soccer, wrestling, and basketball lead the list when it comes to dental injuries. But non-contact activities like skateboarding, baseball, mountain biking, or gymnastics can still cause serious damage if there’s a fall or accidental collision.

Some of the most common dental injuries in sports include:

• Chipped or broken teeth.
• Knocked-out teeth.
• Cuts to the lips, tongue, or cheeks.
• Jaw injuries, including fractures or dislocations.
• Damage to braces or dental appliances.

These injuries don’t just hurt; they can lead to long-term dental work, missed school or practice, and higher medical bills. That’s why taking a few extra steps now can save you a lot of stress later.

The Role of Mouthguards in Injury Prevention

The most effective way to reduce your risk of dental injuries during sports is by wearing a mouthguard. This small piece of equipment acts like a shock absorber, helping protect your teeth and soft tissues when you take a hit.

There are three types of mouthguards to choose from:

1. Stock Mouthguards

These are ready-made and available at most sporting goods stores. They’re inexpensive and easy to find, but they tend to be bulky and don’t offer a secure fit. They also make it harder to talk or breathe during activity, so they’re not ideal for most athletes.

2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

These are softened in hot water, then shaped to your mouth by biting down. They offer a better fit than stock options and are more affordable than custom-made guards. However, they still wear down quickly and don’t provide the same level of protection or comfort.

3. Custom-Fitted Mouthguards

A dentist makes these based on a mold of your teeth. They fit precisely and stay in place better during games or practice. They also allow for easier breathing and speaking, which is a big plus if you’re on the move. 

At Shelby Dental, we often recommend custom guards for young athletes in Calera because they offer the highest level of protection and last longer than store-bought versions.

Oral Health Tips for Athletes

Keeping your mouth safe during sports goes beyond just wearing a guard. Good daily habits matter too, especially for athletes who train often, wear braces, or drink sugary sports drinks during activity.

Here are a few ways to support your oral health:

• Wear your mouthguard every time you play, not just during games. Practice is when many injuries happen.
• Clean your mouthguard regularly. Rinse it after each use and let it dry in a clean case.
• Brush and floss every day, especially after eating snacks or sipping sports drinks.
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks during and after workouts. Sugar and acid can lead to tooth decay.
• If you wear braces, talk to your dentist about a special mouthguard that fits around brackets and wires.
• See your dentist regularly, even during busy sports seasons.

If you notice pain, sensitivity, or a loose tooth after taking a hit, don’t wait. These could be early signs of an injury that needs attention.

What to Do If a Tooth Gets Knocked Out

Accidents happen, even with the best preparation. If a permanent tooth gets knocked out during a game or practice, quick action can make all the difference.

Here’s what to do:

1. Find the tooth and handle it carefully. Only touch the crown (the part that shows in your mouth), not the root.
2. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water. Don’t scrub it or use soap.
3. Get to a dentist immediately. Time matters, and seeing a dentist within 30 minutes gives you the best chance of saving the tooth.

At Shelby Dental, we offer emergency dental care and can guide you through what to do if your child or teammate experiences an injury.

Game-Ready Smiles Start at Shelby Dental

You train hard, show up, and play with heart. Your smile deserves the same kind of protection. At Shelby Dental in Calera, we help athletes of all ages stay on the field and out of the emergency room with regular dental checkups and custom mouthguards.

No matter if you’re gearing up for football, track, baseball, or basketball season, we’re here to help make sure your smile is part of your strength, not a weak spot. 

Call our office today to schedule an appointment or ask about mouthguard fittings. We’re happy to help you stay safe and confident during every game, match, and practice.

Protect Your Smile with Help from Shelby Dental

If you or your child plays sports, don’t take chances with your smile. At Shelby Dental in Calera, we provide preventive care designed for athletes of all ages. Our team is here to help you avoid dental injuries and stay game-ready, no matter what sport you love. 

Call today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward safer, stronger oral health.