Sports and Dental Emergencies: Why Mouthguards Matter

As students across Elk Grove and the greater Sacramento area head back to school, many are gearing up for fall and winter sports. From football and basketball to wrestling and soccer, athletics play a crucial role in developing teamwork, confidence, and lifelong skills. But they also come with risks—especially when it comes to dental injuries.

At Ora Dentistry, we see firsthand how quickly a fun game can turn into a dental emergency. The good news is that one simple step—wearing a properly fitted custom mouthguard—can make all the difference.

The Risk of Sports-Related Dental Injuries

Dental emergencies are among the most common sports-related injuries. The American Dental Association (ADA) estimates that 13–39% of all dental injuries are sports-related, with high-contact sports like football, hockey, and basketball carrying the greatest risk.

• Common injuries include:
• Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Lip and tongue lacerations
• Jaw injuries

What’s more, once a permanent tooth is lost, it’s gone for good. Restorations like implants or bridges can help, but they require time, cost, and care. Preventing the injury in the first place is always the better option.

Why Mouthguards Matter

Mouthguards act as a shock absorber, cushioning teeth, gums, lips, and jaws from impact. By dispersing force, they significantly reduce the chance of chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth.

According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, athletes who wear mouthguards are 82–93% less likely to suffer dental injuries than those who do not. The ADA and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend mouthguards for over 29 different sports and recreational activities.

For Elk Grove families, this means whether your child is suiting up for football at Cosumnes Oaks High School or joining a local soccer league at Bartholomew Sports Park, a mouthguard is an essential part of their gear.

Custom vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards

While generic, “boil-and-bite” mouthguards are available at sporting goods stores, they don’t offer the same protection or comfort as a custom-fitted guard.

• Custom Mouthguards (made at Ora Dentistry): Designed specifically for your child’s teeth and bite. More comfortable, less bulky, and more effective at absorbing impact.
• Store-Bought Mouthguards: Inexpensive, but often ill-fitting and prone to slipping out, which makes athletes less likely to wear them consistently.

A properly fitted custom mouthguard not only protects against serious dental emergencies but also encourages compliance because it feels natural and secure.

Timing Is Everything: Back-to-School Sports

Now is the perfect time for parents to consider investing in a custom mouthguard. As practices ramp up and competition intensifies, ensuring that your child is protected before the season starts can help avoid costly and painful dental emergencies later on.

At Ora Dentistry, we can take quick digital impressions to create a mouthguard tailored to your child’s smile. Turnaround times are fast, and the protection they provide is invaluable.

Why Choose Ora Dentistry in Elk Grove?

At Ora Dentistry, we combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate, family-friendly care. Led by Dr. Devan Dalla, our team has extensive experience in both emergency dentistry and preventive care. We’ve helped countless families in Elk Grove avoid unnecessary dental trauma by fitting athletes with custom mouthguards that last season after season.

Parents throughout the Laguna, Sheldon, and Franklin neighborhoods trust us for their children’s oral health because we focus on prevention, comfort, and long-term wellness.

Protect Your Child’s Smile

Dental emergencies from sports can happen in an instant—but they can also be prevented. A custom mouthguard is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw while allowing them to enjoy the sports they love.

Contact Ora Dentistry in Elk Grove today to schedule a custom mouthguard fitting and give your child the confidence to play safely this season.