When most parents think about soccer equipment, they think of cleats, shin guards, and a water bottle. A mouthguard usually isn’t at the top of the list. But should it be?
Even though soccer isn’t considered a high-contact sport like hockey or football, dental injuries can still happen. Players can accidentally collide with each other, take an elbow to the face, fall down, or get hit while chasing the ball.
That’s why the Ontario Dental Association recommends mouthguards for sports where contact with other players or hard surfaces is possible, and soccer is no exception.
Soccer Injuries Aren’t Always What Parents Expect
When people think about sports-related dental injuries, hockey is usually the first sport that comes to mind. Soccer doesn’t have the same reputation, which is why many parents are surprised to learn that injuries to the teeth and mouth still occur out on the field.
The game involves a lot of close contact. Players compete for headers, challenge each other for possession, and move quickly in crowded spaces. Even when the contact is accidental, a collision can happen in an instant.
A player doesn’t need to take a direct hit to the mouth to suffer a dental injury. Falling down, being struck by another player’s shoulder or elbow, or colliding with a teammate can all result in chipped, cracked, or broken teeth.
What Does a Mouthguard Actually Do?
A mouthguard acts as a cushion between the teeth and the surrounding tissues of the mouth. During an impact, it helps absorb and distribute some of the force that would otherwise be directed at the teeth and jaw.
While a mouthguard cannot prevent every injury, it may help reduce the severity of common sports-related dental injuries. It can also help protect the lips, cheeks, and tongue from cuts caused by contact with the teeth.
Many parents view a mouthguard the same way they view shin guards. It doesn’t guarantee an injury won’t happen, but it provides an extra layer of protection when accidents occur.
Store-Bought or Custom-Made?
There are several types of mouthguards available, including stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite models, and custom-made options provided by a dentist.
Store-bought mouthguards are often the most affordable and easy to find. For some children, they may provide enough protection. The challenge is that many children find them bulky or uncomfortable, especially during a fast-paced sport like soccer.
A custom-made mouthguard is designed specifically for the child’s teeth and bite. Because it fits more securely, it’s usually easier to speak, breathe, and play comfortably while wearing it. In many cases, comfort is what determines whether a child actually keeps the mouthguard in during the game.
Mouthguards and Braces
If your child wears braces, a mouthguard is definitely worth considering.
Brackets and wires can increase the risk of cuts and injuries inside the mouth during a collision. A mouthguard helps create a protective barrier between the braces and the soft tissues of the lips and cheeks.
Children with braces may require a different style of mouthguard than children without orthodontic treatment, so it’s a good idea to ask your dentist for recommendations.
So, Do Kids Really Need One?
Not every soccer league requires mouthguards, and many young players go through an entire season without experiencing a dental injury. At the same time, accidents can be unpredictable. Most dental injuries happen unexpectedly and often during routine games.
For parents, the decision usually comes down to risk versus prevention. A mouthguard is a relatively simple piece of equipment, but it may help prevent an injury that requires significant dental treatment later on.
Soccer may not be known as a high-contact sport, but it isn’t completely risk-free either. Not every child who plays soccer will experience a dental injury, but many parents feel a mouthguard is worth it for the added protection.
Read more:
https://www.ualberta.ca/en/school-of-dentistry/about-us/dentistrynews/2018/september
https://www.dentalhygienecanada.ca/dhcanada/DHCanada/Preventive_Oral_Care/Sports
https://www.oda.ca/news-publications/mouthguards-a-vital-piece-of-athletic-equipment/
https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/about/position_statements/traumaticoralfacial
https://thorncrestdental.com/teeth-injuries/
https://thorncrestdental.com/why-does-my-jaw-hurt-in-the-morning-causes-tmj-treatment/
