Study Says Not Enough Kids Wear Mouthguards in Sports
Study Says Not Enough Kids Wear Mouthguards in Sports
Every weekend, fields and courts across Austin are filled with young athletes giving it their all. But according to research, the majority of them are doing it without one of the most important pieces of protective equipment available: a mouthguard. At Loveless Dental & Facial Aesthetics, a Bridgeview Dental Brand in Austin, Texas, we want every family to understand why mouthguard use is a critical part of your child's athletic safety plan.
What the Research Shows
Studies consistently find that mouthguard use among youth athletes remains alarmingly low, especially in sports where it isn't formally required. Key findings include:
- Dental injuries account for more than 600,000 emergency room visits per year in the United States
- Athletes who don't wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental trauma
- Many common youth sports — including basketball, baseball, soccer, and gymnastics — don't mandate mouthguard use, despite significant contact risk
What Can Happen Without a Mouthguard?
A single blow to the face during a game can result in serious dental injuries, including:
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth
- Root fractures
- Lacerations to the lips, tongue, or cheeks
- Jaw fractures in severe cases
Many of these injuries require extensive restorative treatment and, in some cases, may have lasting effects on the developing jaw and bite of a growing child.
Types of Mouthguards
Not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection. Here's a quick comparison:
- Stock mouthguards — Pre-formed and inexpensive, but often bulky and poorly fitting. These offer the least protection.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards — Available at most sporting goods stores. Better fit than stock, but still not ideal.
- Custom-fitted mouthguards — Made from impressions of your child's teeth by a dental professional. These offer the best protection, comfort, and durability — and are more likely to actually be worn.
Why Custom Mouthguards Are Worth It
A professionally made mouthguard fits precisely to your child's unique dental structure. This means better protection, easier breathing and speaking, and a device that stays in place during intense play. Children are also much more likely to wear a mouthguard that's comfortable.
Protect Your Young Athlete's Smile
If your child plays any contact or collision sport, a custom mouthguard is one of the smartest investments you can make. Contact Loveless Dental & Facial Aesthetics in Austin today to schedule a fitting and give your young athlete the protection their smile deserves.