Protecting Young Athletes: How Custom Mouthguards Fight Both Dental Injuries and Concussions

Every fall and spring, thousands of Philadelphia kids hit the field, court, and rink to compete in the sports they love. While youth athletics build character, teamwork, and physical fitness, they also come with serious risks that every parent needs to understand. Among the most concerning threats facing young athletes today are dental injuries and concussions—two dangers that affect far more children than most families realize.

The good news? A properly fitted custom mouthguard can serve as a powerful line of defense against both threats. At The Pediatric Dental Team in South Philadelphia, we’ve seen firsthand how this simple piece of protective equipment can prevent devastating injuries and save families thousands of dollars in emergency dental care.

The Sobering Statistics About Youth Sports Injuries

The numbers paint a concerning picture for families with young athletes. Sports and recreation-related concussions affect up to 1.9 million youth in the United States each year. About seven out of ten emergency department visits for sports-related traumatic brain injuries and concussions involve children aged 17 and under.

Contact sports—including football, basketball, and soccer—are responsible for 45 percent of all emergency department visits for sports-related brain injuries among children. Even more surprising, in sports where both boys and girls compete using the same rules, girls actually have a higher rate of concussion than boys.

Football continues to present the highest concussion risk, with approximately five percent of youth football players aged 5 to 14 sustaining a concussion each season. However, Philadelphia parents shouldn’t assume their children are safe just because they’re not playing football. Soccer, basketball, ice hockey, and even cheerleading all carry significant concussion risks.

Dental injuries are equally prevalent. Research shows that sport activities account for up to one-third of all orofacial injuries in young people. In sports where mouthguard use isn’t mandated, dental injury rates can be staggering—reaching as high as 21.8 percent in some studies.

Why Custom Mouthguards Outperform Store-Bought Options

Walk into any sporting goods store in Philadelphia and you’ll find two types of mouthguards available: stock mouthguards and boil-and-bite varieties. While these over-the-counter options might seem like convenient, budget-friendly choices, they simply don’t provide the level of protection your child needs.

Stock mouthguards come preformed in generic sizes and cannot be adjusted to fit your child’s unique bite. They’re often bulky and uncomfortable, which means many young athletes simply remove them during play—defeating the entire purpose. These provide the least amount of protection and are not recommended by pediatric dentists.

Boil-and-bite mouthguards offer slightly better fit than stock versions. You soften the material in hot water, place it in your child’s mouth, and shape it using finger pressure and tongue positioning. While these provide better protection than stock guards, they still fall short of what a custom-fitted mouthguard can offer.

Custom mouthguards created by The Pediatric Dental Team are designed specifically for your child’s mouth. We take a precise impression of your child’s teeth and create a model from which the mouthguard is fabricated. This process results in a protective device that fits comfortably, stays securely in place during play, and provides maximum protection.

The Dental Protection Advantage

The evidence for mouthguards preventing dental injuries is absolutely clear and undeniable. Research consistently demonstrates that custom mouthguards significantly reduce the risk of broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth.

One study examining college basketball players found that athletes using custom-fitted mouthguards experienced dental injury rates of just 0.12 per 1,000 athlete exposures, compared to 0.67 per 1,000 exposures among non-users. That’s an 82 percent reduction in dental injuries. The study also found that mouthguard users had zero dentist referrals, while non-users required professional dental care at a rate of 0.72 per 1,000 exposures.

When a Philadelphia child loses a permanent tooth during sports, the consequences extend far beyond the immediate pain and trauma. These young athletes face years of dental challenges. Pediatric dentists cannot offer a permanent solution until the child stops growing—typically around age 22 or 23. Until then, families must invest in temporary prosthetics, multiple dental appointments, and ongoing care that can cost thousands of dollars.

Even injuries that seem minor can have lasting effects. A small impact to a permanent tooth can damage the nerve, leading to discoloration or complications months or even years later. Prevention through proper mouthguard use is always preferable to years of dental intervention.

The Emerging Evidence on Concussion Prevention

While the data on dental protection is settled science, research on mouthguards and concussion prevention has been more complex. However, recent studies are providing increasingly compelling evidence that properly fitted mouthguards may offer protective benefits against concussions.

A groundbreaking study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine examined youth ice hockey players and found that mouthguard use was associated with 64 percent lower odds of concussion. Interestingly, off-the-shelf mouthguards showed a statistically significant 69 percent reduction in concussion odds, while custom dental-fit mouthguards showed a 49 percent reduction that didn’t quite reach statistical significance—possibly due to smaller sample size.

Research involving college athletes has also shown promising results. One study using propensity score matching found a significant negative association between mouthguard use and sports-related concussions, suggesting that mouthguards may offer some protective benefit.

The theory behind this protection makes biomechanical sense. When an athlete receives an upward blow to the jaw, that force can transmit through the teeth into the base of the skull, causing the brain to collide with the skull and resulting in concussion. A properly fitted mouthguard creates a cushioning barrier that can absorb and dissipate some of this force before it reaches the brain.

Understanding the Limitations and Realistic Expectations

Philadelphia families deserve honest information about what mouthguards can and cannot do. While the evidence for concussion protection is encouraging, it’s important to understand that mouthguards are not a complete solution to the concussion crisis in youth sports.

Some research has shown mixed results regarding concussion prevention, with certain studies failing to demonstrate statistically significant benefits. This doesn’t mean mouthguards are ineffective—rather, it highlights the complexity of concussion mechanisms and the difficulty of studying prevention strategies.

A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis found that mouthguards reduced the overall risk of orofacial injuries by more than two-fold. However, when examining concussion specifically across five cohort studies, the influence of mouthguards was more modest, with a summary risk ratio of 1.25.

The key takeaway for South Philadelphia families is this: while mouthguards may not completely eliminate concussion risk, they appear to offer some protective benefit, and they definitively prevent devastating dental injuries. Given that mouthguards are already mandatory in many youth sports, ensuring your child wears a properly fitted custom guard makes sense from both a dental and neurological protection standpoint.

Which Philadelphia Athletes Need Mouthguards Most?

The American Dental Association and the Academy for Sports Dentistry recommend mouthguards for more than two dozen sports. However, some activities present higher risks than others.

• Football: With the highest concussion rates among youth sports, every young football player in Philadelphia needs a custom mouthguard
• Ice Hockey: Research shows mouthguards reduce concussion odds by 64 percent in youth hockey players
• Soccer: Girls’ soccer has the second-highest concussion rate among all youth sports, making mouthguards essential
• Basketball: Both boys and girls experience high rates of concussions and dental injuries in basketball
• Lacrosse: The combination of sticks, balls, and physical contact creates multiple injury scenarios
• Baseball and Softball: The head is involved in more baseball injuries than any other body part, with nearly half of all injuries affecting the head, face, mouth, or eyes
• Field Hockey: Approximately 60 percent of concussions result from contact with equipment like sticks or balls
• Wrestling: Close-quarters combat sports present risks for both dental injuries and concussions

Even athletes in non-contact sports like gymnastics, skateboarding, and cycling can benefit from mouthguard protection during training and competition.

The Custom Mouthguard Process at The Pediatric Dental Team

Getting your child fitted for a custom mouthguard at our South Philadelphia practice is a straightforward process that takes just two appointments.

During the first visit, we’ll examine your child’s mouth and take precise impressions of their teeth. We’ll discuss which sports your child plays, any history of dental injuries or concussions, and specific concerns you might have. This information helps us create the most effective mouthguard possible for your young athlete’s needs.

We send these impressions to a specialized dental laboratory where technicians craft a mouthguard using high-quality materials designed specifically for athletic protection. The mouthguard is carefully molded to match every contour of your child’s teeth and bite.

At the second appointment, we’ll ensure the mouthguard fits properly. We’ll check that it stays securely in place, doesn’t interfere with breathing or speaking, and feels comfortable enough that your child will actually wear it during play. We’ll also teach your young athlete proper care and maintenance to extend the life of their mouthguard.

Cost Versus Value: The Financial Reality

Many Philadelphia families initially hesitate when they learn that custom mouthguards cost more than drugstore alternatives. A stock mouthguard might cost five to ten dollars, while a custom guard typically ranges from $150 to $300.

However, this initial investment pales in comparison to the cost of treating even a single dental injury. A knocked-out permanent tooth can require tens of thousands of dollars in treatment over a lifetime. Root canals, crowns, bridges, and implants all come with substantial price tags. Emergency room visits for concussions also carry significant costs—both financial and developmental.

When you factor in the superior fit, comfort, and protection of a custom mouthguard, the value proposition becomes clear. Your child is more likely to actually wear a custom guard throughout practice and competition, ensuring consistent protection. Many Philadelphia parents discover that their custom mouthguard actually lasts longer than cheaper alternatives because it’s more durable and doesn’t need frequent replacement.

Teaching Proper Mouthguard Care and Compliance

The most perfectly crafted custom mouthguard in the world provides zero protection if your child leaves it in their gym bag during the game. Compliance remains one of the biggest challenges in youth sports safety.

Parents can improve compliance by involving children in the selection process. Many custom mouthguards can be made in team colors or with favorite designs. When kids feel ownership over their protective equipment, they’re more likely to use it consistently.

Proper care extends the life of your investment and keeps the mouthguard hygienic:

• Rinse Immediately After Use: Teach your child to rinse their mouthguard with cool water after every practice and game
• Brush Regularly: Use a toothbrush and toothpaste to gently clean the mouthguard several times per week
• Store Properly: Keep the mouthguard in a ventilated case to prevent bacterial growth and protect it from damage
• Inspect Frequently: Check for tears, thinning, or changes in fit that might indicate it’s time for a replacement
• Replace As Needed: Growing children may need new mouthguards annually or even more frequently during growth spurts

Make wearing a mouthguard as routine as tying cleats or putting on a helmet. Consistency creates habits, and habits keep kids safe.

Beyond Mouthguards: Comprehensive Concussion Prevention

While custom mouthguards provide valuable protection, Philadelphia families should remember that they’re just one component of a comprehensive approach to preventing youth sports injuries.

Proper technique and fundamentals reduce injury risk significantly. Coaches who emphasize safe tackling form in football, teach players to avoid head contact in soccer, and enforce rules against dangerous play create safer environments for all athletes.

Neck strengthening exercises may help reduce concussion risk by helping stabilize the head during impacts. Young athletes can work with trainers or physical therapists to develop appropriate strengthening programs for their age and sport.

Education remains critical. Every coach, parent, and young athlete should be able to recognize concussion symptoms and understand the importance of immediate removal from play when symptoms occur. The “when in doubt, sit them out” principle should guide all decisions about suspected head injuries.

Ensuring adequate recovery time after any concussion is essential. Young brains are still developing and are more vulnerable to the effects of repeated head injuries. Athletes who sustain one concussion are four to six times more likely to sustain a second one, making proper recovery protocols crucial.

Your Partner in Youth Sports Safety

The team at The Pediatric Dental Team has been serving South Philadelphia families for 30 years. We understand the importance of keeping your young athletes safe while they pursue the sports they love. Our specialized training in pediatric dentistry and our commitment to preventive care position us as ideal partners in protecting your child’s smile and overall health.

We’ve seen too many preventable dental injuries over the years—permanent teeth knocked out during basketball games, fractured jaws from hockey collisions, and countless chips and cracks that could have been avoided with proper protection. We’ve also watched the growing awareness of concussion risks transform youth sports, making protective equipment more important than ever.

Protect Your Young Athlete Today

Your child’s smile and brain health are too precious to leave to chance. Whether your young athlete plays football at South Philadelphia High School, soccer in the local rec league, or hockey at the nearest rink, a custom mouthguard from The Pediatric Dental Team provides the protection they need to play with confidence.

Don’t wait until after an injury to take action. Contact The Pediatric Dental Team today to schedule an appointment for custom mouthguard fitting. Our experienced team will ensure your child receives a perfectly fitted guard that offers maximum protection and comfort. Give your young athlete every advantage when it comes to safety—because preventing injuries is always better than treating them.