April marks National Facial Protection Month, and with spring sports in full swing across San Antonio, it's the perfect time to talk about one of the simplest ways to protect your child's teeth: mouthguards. From Little League baseball to soccer leagues and everything in between, active kids face real risks to their smiles every time they step onto the field or court.
At Smile Kings Dental & Orthodontics, we treat dental injuries that could have been prevented with proper protection. A mouthguard costs a fraction of what it takes to repair or replace damaged teeth—and some injuries can't be fully repaired at all. Here's what San Antonio parents need to know about keeping their young athletes' smiles safe.
The Real Risk of Dental Injuries in Youth Sports
Kids are active, and that's a good thing. But sports and recreational activities account for a significant number of dental injuries each year. The American Dental Association estimates that athletes who don't wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to damage their teeth than those who do.
Dental injuries from sports can include:
Chipped or Cracked Teeth: Even minor chips can require bonding or crowns to repair
Knocked-Out Teeth: A permanent tooth that gets knocked out may be saved if treated immediately, but the window is small
Root Fractures: Damage below the gumline that may not be immediately visible but compromises the tooth long-term
Jaw Injuries: Impact can damage the jaw joint or cause fractures
Soft Tissue Injuries: Cuts to lips, cheeks, and tongue from teeth during impact
Damage to Braces: Brackets, wires, and other orthodontic appliances can cause additional injury during impact—and require costly repairs
The financial cost of treating dental injuries adds up quickly. A single knocked-out tooth can require emergency treatment, possible root canal therapy, and eventual restoration—potentially costing thousands of dollars over time. Prevention is always the better investment.
Which Sports Need Mouthguards?
Most parents know that football players wear mouthguards, but many don't realize how many other activities put teeth at risk. The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for more than 25 sports and activities.
Sports That Require Mouthguards:
Football
Hockey (ice and field)
Lacrosse
Boxing and martial arts
Sports Where Mouthguards Are Strongly Recommended:
Baseball and softball
Basketball
Soccer
Volleyball
Gymnastics
Wrestling
Skateboarding and BMX
Mountain biking
Rollerblading and skating
Activities Often Overlooked:
Recreational biking
Playground activities
Trampolines
Water polo
If your child participates in any activity where there's a chance of contact with other players, equipment, or the ground, a mouthguard provides valuable protection.
Types of Mouthguards: What's the Difference?
Not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection. Understanding your options helps you choose the right fit for your child's needs and activity level.
Stock Mouthguards: These pre-formed mouthguards come ready to wear right out of the package. They're the least expensive option, typically found at sporting goods stores for just a few dollars. However, they offer the least protection and comfort. Stock mouthguards often fit poorly, making it difficult for kids to breathe and speak. Many children find them so uncomfortable that they take them out during play—defeating the purpose entirely.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: A step up from stock options, boil-and-bite mouthguards are made from thermoplastic material that softens in hot water. After heating, the child bites into the softened material to create a semi-custom fit. These typically cost $10-30 and provide better protection and comfort than stock guards. For occasional or recreational use, boil-and-bite guards offer reasonable protection at an affordable price.
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards: Custom mouthguards are made by your dentist from an impression of your child's teeth. The result is a precise fit that offers superior protection, comfort, and durability. Because they fit properly, kids are more likely to actually wear them consistently. Custom guards also allow for normal breathing and speaking, which matters during athletic performance.
At Smile Kings, we create custom mouthguards designed specifically for your child's mouth. While they cost more than store-bought options, custom guards last longer, protect better, and are actually worn by the kids who need them.
Special Considerations for Kids With Braces
If your child wears braces, mouthguard protection becomes even more important. A blow to the mouth can damage brackets and wires, cause the braces to cut into soft tissue, and potentially harm the teeth underneath.
Dr. Ryan Reyes and our orthodontic team at Smile Kings recommend that all patients in braces wear mouthguards during sports and physical activities. Special orthodontic mouthguards are designed to fit over braces, protecting both the teeth and the appliances.
Important considerations for braces wearers:
Never Use Form-Fitting Guards on Braces: Boil-and-bite guards that mold tightly to teeth can damage brackets and don't accommodate the changes happening as teeth move
Choose Orthodontic-Specific Guards: These have extra room and flexibility to fit over brackets while still providing protection
Replace as Needed: As teeth shift during treatment, mouthguards may need to be replaced to maintain proper fit
Protect the Whole Mouth: Orthodontic mouthguards should cover both the braces and the soft tissue that could be injured by the appliances
If your child is currently in orthodontic treatment, talk to our team about the best mouthguard options for their specific situation.
Getting Kids to Actually Wear Their Mouthguards
The best mouthguard in the world doesn't help if it stays in the sports bag. Getting kids to consistently wear their protection can be challenging, but these strategies help:
Make It Comfortable: Kids won't wear something that makes them gag, interferes with breathing, or falls out constantly. Investing in a better-fitting guard—especially a custom one—dramatically increases compliance.
Let Them Choose: If your child picks out their mouthguard color or design, they're more invested in wearing it. Custom guards can be made in team colors or fun designs that kids actually want to show off.
Set Expectations Early: Make mouthguard use non-negotiable from the start of their sports participation. When it's always been part of the routine, kids don't question it.
Lead by Example: If you play recreational sports, wear your own mouthguard. Kids follow what they see.
Explain the Why: Age-appropriate conversations about protecting their smile can be motivating. Show them pictures of sports dental injuries (not too graphic) or share stories of athletes who've lost teeth.
Enforce Consistently: If coaches and parents both require mouthguards without exception, kids accept it as part of the game.
Caring for Your Child's Mouthguard
Proper care keeps mouthguards effective and hygienic throughout the season:
Rinse Before and After Use: Clean the guard with cool water or mouthwash before putting it in and after taking it out
Brush It: Use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean the guard regularly
Store It Properly: Keep the mouthguard in a ventilated case to prevent bacterial growth
Keep It Away From Heat: Don't leave guards in hot cars, direct sunlight, or hot water (except when initially fitting boil-and-bite styles)
Check for Wear: Inspect the guard regularly for holes, tears, or signs of wear that reduce protection
Replace When Needed: Mouthguards don't last forever—replace them when they show wear or no longer fit properly
For growing children, mouthguards may need replacement every season as their mouths change. Bring the guard to dental checkups so we can assess whether it still fits correctly.
What to Do If a Dental Injury Occurs
Despite best efforts, accidents happen. Knowing how to respond to a dental emergency can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
For a Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth:
Find the tooth and handle it only by the crown (white part)
Rinse gently with water if dirty—don't scrub
Try to place it back in the socket, or store in milk
Get to a dentist within 30 minutes if possible
For a Chipped or Broken Tooth:
Save any pieces you can find
Rinse the mouth with warm water
Apply cold compress to reduce swelling
Contact Smile Kings for guidance
For Injuries to Braces:
Use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges
Don't try to remove stuck or broken pieces
Contact our office for instructions
Invest in Protection Today
A custom mouthguard is one of the best investments you can make in your child's smile. The cost of prevention is always less than the cost of repair—and some injuries simply can't be undone.
This National Facial Protection Month, make sure your young athlete has the protection they need. Contact Smile Kings Dental & Orthodontics at our Zarzamora Street or Bandera Road location to schedule a mouthguard fitting or discuss the best options for your child's needs. Our San Antonio team is here to help keep your family smiling through every season.