Youth sports are one of the best things a child can be part of, but they come with a real and often overlooked risk to their teeth. Dental injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries in children, and most of them are entirely preventable with one simple piece of protective gear. A properly fitted mouthguard does not just cushion impact — it can be the difference between a minor scare and a serious injury that affects your child’s smile for years.
At All Kids Pediatric Dentistry, our team has been helping Charlotte-area families keep their children’s smiles healthy and protected since 2014. Regardless of what sport your child participates in, our dentists can help you find the right protection for their smile. Whether your child plays in a Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation league, suits up for a Charlotte Soccer Association team, or is gearing up as fall sports season gets underway, our six pediatric doctors can help you find the right protection for their smile. We serve families in Charlotte, Plaza Midwood, Southwest Charlotte, and Indian Trail with proactive care that goes beyond the dental chair. Learn more about our dental trauma treatment services if an injury has already occurred. All Kids. All Smiles.
Why Mouthguards Matter for Young Athletes
The American Dental Association confirms that properly fitted mouthguards offer the best available protection for reducing the incidence and severity of sports-related dental injuries. Chipped and knocked-out teeth, jaw injuries, and cuts to the lips and tongue are all outcomes a mouthguard is designed to absorb and deflect. For children whose permanent teeth are still coming in, protecting that developing dentition is especially important.
Many parents assume mouthguards are only necessary for contact sports like football or hockey, but dental injuries happen across a wide range of activities. With fall sports season in full swing across the Charlotte area, from youth soccer leagues and recreational basketball to gymnastics and lacrosse, if your child is active, a mouthguard is worth having regardless of the sport.
Types of Mouthguards: Which One Is Right for Your Child?
Not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection, and understanding the differences helps you make the best choice. There are three main options available:
- Stock mouthguards: These come pre-formed and ready to wear, making them the most affordable option, but they often fit poorly and may not provide the most reliable protection.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards: Available at most sporting goods stores, these are softened in hot water and shaped to fit the teeth, offering a better fit than stock options.
- Custom-fitted mouthguards: Made from an impression of your child’s teeth, these provide the best fit, comfort, and protection, and are created directly in a dental office.
For children who play sports regularly or at a competitive level, a custom-fitted mouthguard is the most effective option. A well-fitting mouthguard is also more likely to actually be worn, which matters more than anything else.
When to Replace a Mouthguard
Mouthguards do not last forever, and wearing one past its prime offers less protection than it should. Children who are still growing need their mouthguards checked more frequently because their teeth and jaw are constantly changing. A mouthguard fitted a year ago may no longer fit correctly if new teeth have come in or orthodontic treatment has shifted the mouth’s shape.
A good rule of thumb is to bring the mouthguard to every dental exam and cleaning visit, so our team can check the fit. If it no longer seats comfortably or your child says it feels loose, it is time for a replacement.
What to Do If a Dental Injury Happens
Even with the best protection in place, accidents happen. If your child chips, cracks, or loses a tooth during a sports activity, staying calm and acting quickly gives the tooth the best chance of being saved. For a knocked-out permanent tooth, keep it moist, either in milk or gently placed back in the socket, and get to us as soon as possible.
Broken and displaced teeth require prompt attention, and our team is equipped to handle pediatric dental emergencies so your child gets the care they need without delay.
Schedule a Visit With All Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Whether you want to get your child fitted for a mouthguard before the season starts or need guidance after an injury, All Kids Pediatric Dentistry is here to help. We serve families across Charlotte and the surrounding communities with compassionate, child-focused care built around prevention and long-term health. We accept virtually all insurance, including SC and NC Medicaid, and offer a dental savings plan for families without coverage. We speak Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian, so every family feels at home.
Ready to protect your child’s smile this season? Book your appointment online, and our team will take great care of your young athlete. You can also reach us by phone at any of our three locations: Arrowood (980) 263-2330, The Plaza (980) 425-3100, or Indian Trail (704) 684-4451.
