Youth Sports Dental Tips for Every Sports Season
Game Day Grins Start with Great Protection
The smell of popcorn, the sound of cheering crowds, and that first kickoff — football season in Texas is officially here! Between practices, pep rallies, and weekend tournaments, parents are the ultimate cheerleaders making it all happen. But while you’re managing schedules and snacks, we’re here to help keep those smiles game-ready.
As your trusted kids dentist in Lake Conroe and pediatric dentist in Huntsville, TX, the KidSmiles team knows that fall sports bring plenty of excitement — and a few extra risks for growing smiles. That’s why we’re sharing essential youth sports dental tips to help parents protect their young athletes from preventable dental injuries.
Dental Protection for Young Athletes: Why every athlete needs a mouthguard
Dental injuries are one of the most common types of facial injury in youth sports — accounting for up to 39% of all dental trauma in children and teens, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). In fact, the AAPD reports that athletes who skip mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer a dental injury.
And it’s not rare — the CDC estimates more than 3 million teeth are knocked out each year during youth sports in the U.S! That’s why our KidSmiles Lake Conroe dentist and KidSmiles Huntsville dentist teams always recommend custom sports mouthguards for kids — even in sports where they’re optional. Basketball, soccer, baseball, and volleyball can all result in accidental mouth impacts. (Just ask Steph Curry — the NBA’s biggest mouthguard advocate!) A custom mouthguard fits comfortably, stays in place, and provides the best dental protection for young athletes all season long.
If you’re searching for a youth mouthguard dentist near me, KidSmiles can help. We design mouthguards tailored to your child’s unique bite, ensuring maximum comfort and safety from kickoff to the final whistle.
Watch out for hidden sugar in sports drinks
Hydration matters — but not all drinks are created equal. The American Dental Association (ADA) warns that a 20-ounce sports drink can contain up to 34 grams (over 8 teaspoons) of sugar. That’s a lot of fuel for cavities!
Water is the MVP for hydration and children’s sports dental safety. If your child needs an energy boost during a long game, encourage them to rinse with water afterward to wash away sugars and acids. You’ll protect their enamel while keeping their performance strong.
Youth Sports Dental Care: Keep a “Smile Kit” in the sports bag
Busy parents know that game days can get hectic. A simple game-day dental kit for kids can help keep smiles fresh no matter where the team travels. Pack these essentials:
- A toothbrush and travel toothpaste
- Water bottle for rinsing and hydration
- Sugar-free gum to boost saliva and neutralize acids
- Lip balm with SPF — because Texas sunshine hits hard!
These small but mighty habits help protect teeth and confidence — even during halftime selfies.
Schedule a post-season checkup
When the season wraps, it’s time for a dental huddle! A post-season checkup ensures no hidden chips, grinding, or irritation went unnoticed. At KidSmiles of Texas, we’ll evaluate their teeth, gums, and mouthguard fit to keep every young athlete smiling bright.
Whether you visit our KidSmiles Lake Conroe dentist or KidSmiles Huntsville dentist, our team is cheering for your MVP — on the field and in the dental chair.
📍 Schedule your child’s visit today to protect their smile with expert dental protection for young athletes — because every champion deserves a winning grin. Visit us at one of our two convenient locations — Lake Conroe or Huntsville.