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How to Protect Your Teeth from Summer Sports Injuries

Gear up this summer with our essential guide to safeguarding your smile: discover how to choose and care for the perfect mouthguard, layer on extra protective gear, and handle dental emergencies like a pro—so you can stay in the game without missing a beat.

By
Oceanic Dental
May 28, 2025

Why Your Smile’s at Risk in Summer Sports

Sports account for up to 39% of all dental injuries, and without a mouthguard, you’re 1.6–1.9 times more likely to suffer serious orofacial trauma. From beach volleyball spikes to skateboard wipeouts, the combination of high-velocity impacts and exposed teeth makes summer play an accident waiting to happen.

Choose the Right Mouthguard

  • Stock Guards
    Inexpensive and ready-to-wear, but often bulky and prone to slipping.
  • Boil-and-Bite
    Soften in hot water and mold around your teeth for improved fit.
  • Custom-Fit Guards
    Made from your digital scan and 3D-printed model at Oceanic Dental for supreme comfort and shock absorption. The ADA strongly recommends a properly fitted mouthguard for any sport with contact risk ADA.

Embrace Custom Tech for Peak Performance

Advanced intraoral scanning and 3D-printed materials let us craft ultra-thin, breathable guards that move with you—so talking, breathing, and sipping water never get in the way of your game.

Keep It Clean—and Know When to Replace

A worn or dirty guard loses protective power—and can harbor bacteria. After every use, rinse your guard; deep-clean weekly with mild soap or a denture cleaner; and replace it at least each season (or sooner if you spot cracks). Studies show 53.5% of combat athletes and 17.4% of team-sport players only replace mouthguards when damaged, not routinely—so don’t be that player.

Don’t Skip Your Helmet or Face Shield

In sports like cycling, skateboarding, or baseball, a sturdy helmet and optional face shield team up with your mouthguard to protect more than just teeth.

Warm Up—and Play Smart

Proper stretching, technique coaching, and supervised practice cut collision risk. Remind teammates (and kids) that safe play means fewer dental emergencies.

Have an Emergency Plan

If a tooth is chipped or knocked out:

  1. Rinse it gently, holding by the crown—never the root.
  2. Reinsert if possible, or store it in milk or saline.
  3. Call Oceanic Dental immediately for same-day advice and care.

Post-Care Instructions

Achieve The Smile
You Love, Today!

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If you still have questions or need more info, we’re here to help—give us a call or send us a quick message below, and we’ll be happy to assist!

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