Sports dental injuries: how to prevent them and what to do
From hockey rinks to soccer fields, a mouthguard and a quick response can protect a smile.
Wear a mouthguard for any sport with contact, falls or flying objects, such as hockey, basketball, soccer, martial arts and skateboarding. If a tooth is chipped, save the piece and see a dentist soon. If an adult tooth is knocked out, put it back in or keep it in milk and see a dentist right away.
Choosing a mouthguard
A mouthguard cushions blows to the face and spreads the force, which lowers the risk of broken teeth and cuts to the lips and cheeks. It should fit snugly, let you breathe and speak, and stay in place without biting down.
Wear the mouthguard at practices as well as games, since many injuries happen during training. Children's guards need replacing more often because their teeth and jaws keep changing as they grow.
- Stock guards: ready to wear and inexpensive, but often loose and bulky
- Boil-and-bite guards: softened in hot water and shaped to your teeth; a fair fit for many people
- Custom guards: made from a scan or impressions of your teeth for a close, comfortable fit
First aid for common injuries
- Chipped or broken tooth: rinse with warm water, save any pieces in milk, use a cold compress for swelling and see a dentist soon
- Loose or pushed-in tooth: don't wiggle it; bite gently on a clean cloth and see a dentist the same day
- Knocked-out adult tooth: hold it by the crown, rinse briefly if dirty, put it back in the socket or store it in milk, and get to a dentist within the hour
- Knocked-out baby tooth: don't put it back; control bleeding and have it checked
- Cut lip, tongue or cheek: rinse, apply firm pressure with clean gauze and seek care if bleeding doesn't stop in 10 to 15 minutes
When to go to the hospital
Head and face injuries come first. Go to an emergency department or call 911 for loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting, a possible broken jaw, uncontrolled bleeding or trouble breathing or swallowing. A player with signs of concussion should stop playing and be seen by a doctor.
Once those are ruled out, a dentist can examine the teeth, take X-rays and repair the damage.
How damaged teeth are repaired
Small chips can often be smoothed or restored with tooth-coloured bonding. Larger breaks may need a crown. If the nerve has been injured, a root canal may be needed, sometimes weeks after the injury, so follow-up visits are important.
A tooth that has been hit can darken or become tender later. Let your dentist know if you notice any change.
Caring for your mouthguard
- Rinse it before and after each use
- Clean it with a toothbrush and mild soap, then let it dry
- Store it in a vented case and keep it out of hot cars
- Replace it when it's worn, torn or loose, and as children's mouths grow
- Bring it to checkups so the fit can be checked
Frequently asked questions
Do kids need a mouthguard if they wear a helmet with a face cage?
A cage protects against direct hits but not the jarring of the jaws. Many dentists recommend wearing both in sports like hockey.
Can my child wear a mouthguard with Invisalign or a retainer?
Aligners and retainers aren't designed to protect against impacts. Remove them and wear a mouthguard for play. Ask the dentist about fit during treatment.
What should be in a sports first aid kit for teeth?
Clean gauze, a small container with a lid, a cold pack, and a note with your dentist's phone number. Milk can be bought or borrowed at the venue.
What if the injury happens on a weekend?
Our office is closed Friday to Sunday. For a knocked-out tooth, look for an open emergency dental clinic right away, or go to a hospital emergency department.
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Trusted health information
General information only; not a substitute for an exam. Reviewed by Dr. Sayeh Maralani, DDS, general dentist. Last updated 2026-11-04.
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