Every winter, junior footy season kicks off across West Lakes. Kids lace up their boots and head to training, many of them just across the road from our practice. At Providence Dental Care, we see what happens when a stray elbow meets an unprotected mouth. Most of it is preventable.
What Actually Happens to a Tooth on Impact (and Why Minutes Matter)
A direct hit can chip, crack, loosen or knock out a tooth. In younger players whose adult teeth are still coming through, the damage can also affect developing teeth beneath the gum.
Even a tooth that looks fine after a bump may have shifted or been damaged at the root. Any knock to the mouth is worth having checked. The sooner a damaged tooth is treated, the better the chance of saving it.
Boil-and-Bite vs a Properly Fitted Mouthguard: Does It Really Matter?
Yes. Boil-and-bite guards from the chemist are better than nothing, but they tend to fit loosely, shift on impact, and absorb less force. Kids also find them uncomfortable, so they are more likely to leave them in the bag.
A custom mouthguard is moulded to your child's teeth with the help of precise digital scans. It stays in place and provides more even protection across the teeth and jaw. We recommend having the fit checked at the start of each season, especially for a junior player whose mouth is still growing.
What to Do in the First 10 Minutes If a Tooth Gets Knocked Out at Training
If an adult tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown. Do not touch the root. Gently place it back in the socket if you can. If not, keep it moist in milk or between the cheek and gum. Getting to a dentist within 30 minutes gives the best chance of saving it.
For a baby tooth, do not try to put it back in. Keep the child calm and contact your dentist.
If your child has taken a knock to the head, jaw or face, seek medical attention first. Dental injuries can be assessed once any broader trauma has been ruled out.
Providence Dental Care Can Help
If your child needs a custom mouthguard or has a dental injury during the season, we welcome you to get in touch with Providence Dental Care in West Lakes.
