Sports Safety for Kids: Protecting Teeth and Preventing Injuries With Mouthguards in Paradise Valley, AZ

If your child loves sports—whether it’s soccer, basketball, football, or martial arts—there’s one piece of equipment that’s just as important as cleats, helmets, and pads: a mouthguard. At Dr. Sugar’s Kids Dentistry in Paradise Valley, AZ, we see a surprising number of dental injuries that could have been completely prevented with the right protection.

Let’s talk about how mouthguards keep your child’s smile safe, which sports need them, and why custom guards make a world of difference.

🥅 Why Mouthguards Matter for Young Athletes

Kids are energetic, competitive, and always on the move—which is great for their health, but it also raises the risk of accidental collisions, falls, and impacts. A mouthguard acts like a cushion, absorbing shock and protecting:

Teeth (preventing fractures, chips, and knocks)

Gums and cheeks

Lips

Jaw joints

Orthodontic appliances, like braces

Even seemingly “low-impact” sports can cause dental injuries. A flying elbow on a basketball court or a tumble on a playground can lead to chipped teeth, cuts, or even tooth loss.

🏀 Which Sports Require a Mouthguard?

The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for more than 30 sports. For kids in Paradise Valley, AZ, the most common include:

Basketball

Soccer

Football

Baseball / Softball

Martial arts

Skateboarding

Mountain biking

Gymnastics

Volleyball

If your child plays anything that involves speed, balls, contact, or potential falls—a mouthguard is a must.

😬 Store-Bought vs. Custom Mouthguards: What’s Best?

Not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection.

🛒 Store-bought guards (“boil and bite”)

Cheaper

Widely available

Better than nothing

But… they often don’t fit well, can be thick, uncomfortable, and kids chew on them

🦷 Custom mouthguards (made by kids dentistry experts in Paradise Valley, AZ)

Perfect fit

Comfortable and easier to wear

Stay in place during activity

Better breathing and talking

Offer the highest level of protection

Great for kids with braces or expanders

Dr. Sugar’s team uses high-quality materials and gentle digital impressions so kids get protection that actually lasts.

🤕 What Happens Without a Mouthguard?

Unfortunately, dental injuries are one of the top reasons kids visit emergency rooms after sports. The most common include:

Broken or chipped teeth

Knocked-out teeth

Deep cuts on lips or cheeks

Damage to braces

Jaw injuries

These injuries can be painful, emotional, and expensive to fix—often costing far more than a custom mouthguard.

😁 Keeping Your Child’s Smile Safe in Paradise Valley, AZ

The good news? Nearly all these injuries are preventable.

At Dr. Sugar’s Kids Dentistry, we help families choose the right type of mouthguard and fit their child with a safe, comfortable custom guard designed specifically for growing mouths. Whether your child is a weekend athlete or a competitive player, protecting their smile should always be part of their game plan.

🦷 Ready to Protect Your Young Athlete?

If your child plays sports in Paradise Valley, AZ, a mouthguard is one of the smartest investments you can make for their oral health. We’re here to help you pick the perfect one and keep your child’s teeth strong, healthy, and game-ready.