The Risk: More Common Than You Think
Dental trauma from sports is strikingly common studies suggest that between 13% and 39% of all dental injuries are sports-related. In India, cricket, kabaddi, football, basketball, and martial arts are particularly high-risk activities for dental trauma.
The most common injuries include chipped or fractured teeth, displaced or loosened teeth, and completely knocked-out (avulsed) teeth. These injuries are painful, expensive, and in most cases entirely preventable with a properly fitted mouthguard.
A knocked-out permanent tooth requires immediate reimplantation within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of survival. Even with perfect emergency care, the tooth may still be lost requiring an implant (₹40,000–80,000) or bridge later. A custom mouthguard costs a fraction of this.
Which Sports Need a Mouthguard?
Mouthguard Types: Which Is Best?
❌ Poor fit bulky, uncomfortable
❌ Interferes with breathing
❌ Minimal protection
✅ Available at sports shops
❌ Still imprecise fit
❌ Degrades quickly
✅ Most comfortable can speak easily
✅ Maximum shock absorption
✅ Lasts 2–3 years
Custom mouthguards are made from impressions of your child's teeth. They fit precisely, stay in place, allow normal breathing and speech, and provide dramatically better protection than over-the-counter options. For any child playing contact sports regularly, a custom guard is the right choice.
Children with orthodontic braces need a specially designed mouthguard that fits over the braces without damaging them. Standard mouthguards do not work with braces. At Dr. Mittal's, we make custom guards specifically for children in active orthodontic treatment.
Caring for a Mouthguard
- Rinse with cold water before and after each use never hot water (it distorts the shape)
- Clean with a toothbrush and mild soap weekly
- Store in a ventilated case never in a closed container when wet
- Keep away from direct sunlight and heat
- Replace when it shows wear, or when your child's teeth change significantly (during active orthodontic treatment)
- Bring it to every dental check-up so we can inspect the fit
If a Dental Injury Happens During Sports
Even with a mouthguard, accidents can happen. Here's what to do:
1. Pick up the tooth by the crown (white part), NOT the root.
2. If dirty, rinse GENTLY with milk or saline do not scrub.
3. If possible, gently place back in the socket immediately.
4. If not, store in cold milk, saline, or inside the cheek.
5. Get to a dentist IMMEDIATELY. Every minute counts.
Call us at +91 99452 25971 we prioritise sports dental emergencies.
For chipped or cracked teeth, rinse the mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and call your dentist within 24 hours. Save any tooth fragments they may be usable for bonding.
We take impressions in a single visit and deliver the finished guard within 5–7 days. Call +91 99452 25971 or book online. Protect your child's smile before the next game.