If you’re a Chandler sports parent, your weekends probably look something like this: early-morning games at Tumbleweed Park, a cooler full of water bottles, folding chairs, sunscreen, and a phone full of action shots. Between club soccer, Little League, flag football, basketball, lacrosse, and wrestling, kids in the East Valley are always on the move.
That’s a great thing. But it also means dental injuries are more common than most parents realize. A stray elbow, a fastball, or a fall on a hard court can chip, crack, or knock out a tooth in a split second. And fixing that damage can follow your child for life.
Why Mouthguards Matter
Mouthguards cushion blows to the face, helping protect teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue from injury. Athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are at significantly higher risk of dental injuries than those who do.
And it’s not just contact sports. Basketball, baseball, softball, skateboarding, mountain biking, gymnastics, and even volleyball all carry real risk of mouth injuries.
The Real Cost of a Knocked-Out Tooth
A permanent tooth that’s knocked out or badly broken often can’t simply be “fixed” once. Depending on the damage, treatment might include a root canal, crown, bonding, or eventually an implant once your child has finished growing, plus replacements and maintenance over the decades ahead. Compared to that lifetime of care, a well-fitting mouthguard is one of the smartest investments a sports family can make.
Three Types of Mouthguards
Stock mouthguards. Pre-formed and ready to wear, these are the cheapest option. They’re usually bulky, loose, and make it hard to talk or breathe. Many kids end up chewing on them or leaving them on the bench.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards. Softened in hot water and molded by biting down, these fit better than stock guards, but the fit is often uneven and they can thin out where protection matters most.
Custom mouthguards. Made by your dentist from a precise model of your child’s teeth. They fit snugly, stay in place, allow easier breathing and talking, and provide consistent protection.
The best mouthguard is the one your child actually wears. Because custom guards are more comfortable, kids are much more likely to keep them in for the whole game.
Special Considerations
Kids with braces. Braces make mouth injuries more likely to cut lips and cheeks. Ask us about guards designed to fit over brackets.
Growing mouths. Children’s teeth and jaws change quickly. Custom mouthguards may need to be replaced as new teeth come in. Bring your child’s guard to checkups so we can check the fit.
Adult athletes, too. Pickleball, rec league basketball, and mountain biking injure plenty of grown-ups. Adults benefit from mouthguards just as much as kids do.
If a Tooth Gets Knocked Out
Stay calm and act fast. Here’s what to do:
- Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root.
- Rinse gently with milk or water if it’s dirty. Don’t scrub it.
- Try to put it back in the socket if your child is old enough and cooperative, then have them bite gently on gauze or a clean cloth.
- If you can’t reinsert it, keep it in a cup of milk.
- Call a dentist right away. A knocked-out permanent tooth has the best chance of being saved if it’s replanted within about an hour.
Don’t try to reinsert a baby tooth. Call us so we can check for injuries.
At Provinces Dental, we’re open Saturday mornings, which is often exactly when weekend games happen.
From One Sports Parent to Another
Dr. Jonathan Bergloff, one of our owners, coaches his own sons’ sports teams. He knows firsthand how quickly a game can turn into an emergency, and how much peace of mind good protection brings. He’s been caring for Chandler families at Provinces Dental since 2005.
Get Your Athlete Game-Ready
Before the next season starts, contact Provinces Dental to schedule a custom mouthguard fitting. We serve families from Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa, and Ahwatukee.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child start wearing a mouthguard?
As soon as they start playing organized sports or activities with a risk of falls or contact, often as early as age five or six.
How long does it take to get a custom mouthguard?
It usually takes one quick appointment to take impressions or scans, then a short wait while the guard is made.
How often should a mouthguard be replaced?
Replace it when it’s worn, torn, or no longer fits snugly. Growing kids may need a new one every season or two.
Can my child use the same mouthguard for every sport?
Usually, yes. One well-fitted custom guard works for most sports. Let us know which sports your child plays so we can choose the right thickness.
