By Dr. Richa Bhatnagar, Jacksonport Dental Clinic, Calgary
Summer in Calgary is the perfect time for kids and teens to get outdoors and stay active—whether it’s soccer, biking, skateboarding, baseball, or martial arts. While we cheer for their energy and enthusiasm, it’s important to remember that sports injuries to the face and mouth are common and often preventable.
As a practicing family dentist in NE Calgary, I see far too many avoidable dental emergencies—chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, cuts to the lips, and more—that could have been prevented with one small tool: a mouthguard.
In this article, I’ll break down exactly why mouthguards matter, what types are available, which sports require them, and how parents in Calgary can make the best choice for their kids and teens.
Why Are Mouthguards So Important?
A mouthguard acts like a shock absorber for your child’s mouth. It cushions the teeth, gums, lips, and jawbone from direct impact—reducing the risk of serious injury.
Common Dental Injuries Without a Mouthguard:
- Broken or chipped front teeth
- Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth
- Cuts to the lips, tongue, or cheeks
- Fractured jaws
- Tooth root damage
- Braces injuries
These injuries aren’t just painful—they can require multiple appointments, long-term treatment, and significant costs.
Fact: According to the Canadian Dental Association, athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries if they’re not wearing a mouthguard.
Summer Sports That Require or Strongly Recommend Mouthguards
While contact sports are obvious candidates, even lower-contact or solo sports can result in facial trauma.
High-risk sports for kids and teens:
- Soccer – accidental elbows, falls, collisions
- Hockey (including street or roller) – sticks, pucks, or falls
- Basketball – hands and elbows to the mouth are common
- Martial Arts / Boxing / Karate
- Skateboarding & Scootering
- Mountain Biking / BMX
- Baseball / Softball – errant balls, bats, or base collisions
- Wrestling
- Lacrosse
- Gymnastics
Even if your child’s league doesn’t mandate it, I recommend wearing a mouthguard for any sport where there’s potential for falls or contact.
Types of Mouthguards: What Parents Need to Know
1. Stock Mouthguards (Pre-formed)
- Available at most sports stores
- Inexpensive
- Come in standard sizes (small/medium/large)
- Often bulky, uncomfortable, and may interfere with speech and breathing
- Limited protection
Best for: Emergency use or very short-term protection
2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
- Made from thermoplastic material
- Available in pharmacies and sporting goods stores
- Softened in hot water and molded to the child’s teeth
- Offer better fit than stock guards
- Still less protective and durable than custom options
Best for: Short-term sports seasons or casual players
3. Custom-Fitted Mouthguards (Recommended)
- Made by your dentist from an impression of your child’s teeth
- Offers the best comfort, fit, and protection
- Durable and long-lasting
- Designed to accommodate braces or specific bite needs
- Can be colour-customized for school/team spirit
Best for: Regular players, athletes with braces, or anyone involved in competitive sports
At Jacksonport Dental, we design custom mouthguards for Calgary youth that match the shape of their growing smile—and we make sure it fits snugly so they’ll actually want to wear it.
Mouthguards & Braces: What You Must Know
If your child wears braces or other dental appliances, wearing a mouthguard becomes even more important. Trauma to the mouth can damage both the braces and the soft tissues of the mouth. We provide orthodontic-friendly mouthguards that protect both teeth and brackets while allowing room for ongoing adjustment.
How Often Should a Mouthguard Be Replaced?
Mouthguards don’t last forever, especially in growing children. Replace your child’s mouthguard if:
- It shows signs of wear or thinning
- It becomes loose or doesn’t fit properly
- Your child is in the middle of orthodontic treatment
- It’s been more than a year since it was made
A Summer Safety Essential for Calgary Kids
In Calgary’s vibrant neighborhoods like Cityscape, Cornerstone, Redstone, Savanna, Taradale, and Saddle Ridge, summer sports are a way of life. As your family dentist in NE Calgary, I strongly recommend that every child or teen participating in sports have a properly fitted mouthguard—especially during summer when their activity level spikes.
Prevention is always better than emergency care. Protecting your child’s smile now means avoiding painful and expensive dental treatments later.
Need a Mouthguard for Your Child This Summer?
At Jacksonport Dental Clinic, we create custom sports mouthguards tailored to your child’s age, growth, and dental needs. The fitting is quick, and the results are long-lasting.
📍 Located at 124-3730 104 Ave NE, Calgary AB T3N 0T1
📞 Call 403-815-3040 to book a consultation
🌐 www.jacksonportdental.ca
✅ Open 7 days a week – including Sundays
✅ Accepting new patients from NE Calgary communities
