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Hockey is a proud tradition in the Napanee District. For many families, the ND Hockey League is a sport of teamwork, discipline, and community. While hockey builds confidence and physical fitness, it also comes with risks, especially to a child’s teeth and mouth.
Dental injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries in youth hockey, but the good news is that most are preventable with the right precautions. Let’s unpack this in detail.
Hockey is a fast-paced, high-contact sport. Even at the youth level, accidental collisions, falls, sticks, and pucks can cause significant dental trauma. Common dental injuries seen in young hockey players include chipped or broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, cuts to the lips and tongue, and jaw injuries.
Because children’s teeth and jaws are still developing,injuries can have long-term consequences if not addressed properly. Damage to a baby tooth can affect the adult tooth forming beneath it, while trauma to permanent teeth may require extensive treatment later in life.
Prevention is especially important in contact sports like hockey because injuries often happen unexpectedly. A single impact can change a child’s smile permanently. Taking steps to reduce risk helps protect not only their teeth but also their comfort, confidence, and ability to stay in the game.
Mouthguards are one of the most effective tools for preventing dental injuries in hockey. They act as a cushion, absorbing and distributing the force of impact to reduce damage to teeth, lips, and jaws. Studies consistently show that athletes who wear mouthguards experience fewer and less severe oral injuries.
There are different types of mouthguards available, but not all provide the same level of protection. Boil-and-bite mouthguards, commonly sold in sporting goods stores, offer basic protection but often fit poorly. A loose or bulky mouthguard can interfere with breathing and speaking, which may lead kids to stop wearing it during play.
Custom dental mouthguards, made by a dentist, are designed specifically for your child’s teeth. They offer superior comfort, a secure fit,and better shock absorption. For young athletes, this means improved protection without sacrificing performance. A well-fitted mouthguard is more likely to be worn consistently, which is key to preventing injury throughout the season.
Protecting your child’s smile doesn’t stop once they have a mouthguard. As children grow, their teeth and jaws change, which can affect how a mouthguard fits. It’s important to replace or adjust a child’s mouthguard regularly, especially during growth spurts or when new teeth erupt.
Regular dental checkups play an important role in sports safety. Routine visits allow the dentist to monitor oral development, assess mouthguard fit, and identify any early signs of damage or wear. These appointments also provide an opportunity to reinforce good oral hygiene habits that keep teeth strong and resilient.
If a dental injury does occur during a game or practice,knowing what to do can make a critical difference. For a knocked-out permanent tooth, gently rinse it with water if dirty, avoid touching the root, and place it back in the socket if possible or store it in milk. Seek dental care immediately. For chipped or broken teeth, collect any fragments and contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Hockey teaches kids resilience and teamwork, and protecting their smile helps ensure they can enjoy the sport safely. Simple preventive steps, like wearing the right mouthguard and maintaining regular dental care,go a long way in reducing risk.
At DentalClinic - Smile Shapers Napanee, we understand the demands of youth sports and the importance of prevention. We help families in the Napanee District keep their children’s smiles healthy, confident, and game-ready all season long.
If your child plays in the ND Hockey League, book a dental checkup or mouthguard consultation with Dental Clinic - Smile Shapers Napanee today. We’re here to help protect their smile, on the ice and beyond.
