Summer Sports Dental Safety: Protecting Your Child’s Smile

Summer in Colorado means baseball, soccer, biking, and skateboarding — and a seasonal jump in dental injuries. At Kids Choice Dental in Denver, our kid-focused team wants your young athletes to play hard and keep their smiles safe. Here’s how.

Gear That Protects Teeth

• Mouthguard — the most important dental protection for contact and ball sports; a custom-fitted guard offers the best fit and protection.
• Helmet and face protection — for biking, baseball, and skating.
• Properly sized, well-maintained equipment.

Healthy Summer-Sports Habits

• Hydrate with water, not sugary sports drinks that erode enamel.
• Keep brushing and flossing even on busy game days.
• Rinse with water after sugary snacks or drinks.
• Pack a refillable water bottle for every practice and game.

Common Summer-Sports Dental Injuries

• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Teeth pushed loose or out of position
• Cuts to the lips, tongue, and gums

Your Quick Emergency Plan

• Knocked-out permanent tooth: hold it by the crown, rinse gently with milk or water, reinsert it or store it in milk, and see a dentist within an hour.
• Knocked-out baby tooth: don’t reinsert it; call us to check the area.
• Chipped tooth: save the pieces, rinse, use a cold compress, and call us.
• Cut lip or tongue: clean it, apply gentle pressure and a cold compress.

A Mouthguard Is Worth It

Most sports-related dental injuries are preventable with a mouthguard — and a custom one is comfortable enough that kids actually keep it in. If your child plays summer sports, ask us about getting fitted before the season heats up.

Visit Kids Choice Dental in Denver

Before summer leagues kick off, our kid-focused team in Denver, Aurora, and Wheat Ridge can fit your young athlete for a mouthguard and answer your emergency questions. We accept Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and most plans. Contact us to schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I protect my child’s teeth during summer sports?

Use a properly fitted mouthguard for contact and ball sports, a helmet and face protection where appropriate, and hydrate with water rather than sugary sports drinks.

What’s the best mouthguard for kids?

A custom-fitted mouthguard offers the best fit, comfort, and protection — and because it’s comfortable, kids are more likely to actually wear it.

What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth playing sports?

For a permanent tooth, hold it by the crown, rinse gently, reinsert it or store it in milk, and see a dentist within an hour. For a baby tooth, don’t reinsert it — just call us.

Are sports drinks bad for kids’ teeth?

Yes — most contain sugar and acid that erode enamel, especially when sipped through a long practice. Water is the better choice.

Which summer sports need a mouthguard?

Any with contact, falls, or flying objects — baseball, basketball, soccer — plus wheeled activities like biking and skateboarding.