Spring sports are here. Help your patients see the importance of mouthguards while building your reputation as the go-to dentist for oral health.
By Genni Burkhart, Editor
From March Madness to Opening Day, spring sports are in full swing. It's also the time of year when youth, high school, and collegiate athletes take to the field, court, and track. As dentists, this is the perfect opportunity to talk to patients about mouthguards, one of the simplest yet most effective tools for preventing dental injuries.
If you've ever watched Steph Curry play basketball, you've probably noticed his signature mouthguard habit, which is almost as famous as his three-point shot. The Golden State Warrior even came out with his "Mouthguard" sneakers last April. While gnawing on a mouthguard mid-court might seem like nothing more than an odd habit, it's actually brought attention to the importance of protecting teeth in sports.
As Dr. Benjamin W. Chaffee notes in his article "Saving Teeth, Three (Points) at a Time"1 in the Journal of the California Dental Association (Volume 53, Issue 1, 2025), Curry has made mouthguards "cool" among young athletes. He continues that if Curry's influence encourages more kids to wear mouthguards, he could possibly be preventing more dental injuries than some practicing dentists.
Regular checkups and social media platforms are great opportunities for dentists to engage with athletes and their families about protecting their smiles while they play. By incorporating Curry’s well-known habit into the conversation, you can help more patients understand the value of custom-fitted mouthguards and encourage their consistent use.
The Reality of Sports-Related Dental Injuries
Basketball might not have the same level of contact as football or hockey, but dental injuries happen in all sports. In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends mouthguards for 29 sports, yet they're only "required" in certain sports.
In terms of numbers, The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation2 estimates that athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to sustain dental injuries. Specifically, up to 39% of all dental injuries are sports-related, with chipped and knocked-out teeth being the most common. Yet, despite these statistics, only about 12.3% of young athletes wear mouthguards regularly.3
Basketball and baseball players, especially at the youth and high school levels, have some of the highest rates of dental trauma, yet they are the least likely to wear mouthguards. Football players, on the other hand, have a much lower rate of dental injuries because mouthguards are mandatory.4
The Science Behind Mouthguards
The effectiveness of mouthguards is well documented. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association,5 properly fitted mouthguards can absorb and distribute the force of impact, significantly reducing the risk of tooth fractures and soft tissue injuries. Additionally, research from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry4 suggests that mouthguards may help reduce the risk of concussions by minimizing the impact forces transmitted through the jaw.
Educating Patients
As a dentist and hygienist, you have a direct line to athletes, parents, and coaches who may not fully realize the risk their child is taking by playing without the consistent use of a mouthguard. Here’s how you can start the conversation in a way that is engaging and actionable:
1. Incorporate Mouthguard Education into Routine Exams
When young athletes come in for cleanings or checkups, ask them what sports they play. Use that as a gateway to discuss the importance of protecting their teeth. Show parents the statistics on sports-related dental injuries and explain how a well-fitted mouthguard can prevent costly and painful emergencies.
2. Offer Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
Many patients buy over-the-counter, uncomfortable, ill-fitting mouthguards and, therefore, are left in gym bags instead of worn. Custom-fitted mouthguards provide better protection and are significantly more comfortable. Plus, they can be personalized with team colors or logos, making them more appealing to young athletes.
3. Partner with Local Schools and Sports Teams
Offering mouthguard fittings for local teams can boost your community presence and establish you as the go-to sports dentist in your area. This kind of outreach benefits athletes and increases your visibility.
Be Seen As The Go-To Dentists In Your Community
Beyond the obvious benefit of helping prevent painful and expensive dental injuries, talking about mouthguards can also be good for business. Here’s why:
- Practice Growth and Patient Retention: Offering custom-fit mouthguards is a valuable service not all dental offices provide. It sets you apart and shows your commitment to patient safety, building loyalty, and referrals.
- Increased Revenue Through Custom Mouthguards: Preventing injuries through custom mouthguards offers a steady, predictable revenue stream. Many athletes will need a new mouthguard each season, creating a recurring service that keeps patients returning.
- Marketing and Brand Recognition: Community engagement, whether through school sponsorships, sports team partnerships, or educational social media posts, is a powerful marketing tool. Promoting your expertise on your website and social media platforms can help attract new patients who play sports.
Protecting Smiles, Growing Your Practice
Dentists play an important role in preventing sports-related dental injuries, but only if they actively educate and advocate for mouthguard use. This spring, make it a point to discuss the importance of mouthguards with patients who are young athletes and their parents or guardians. Whether through one-on-one conversations or social media posts, you can protect smiles while growing your practice.
Author: With over 15 years as an award-winning journalist, editor, and writer, Genni Burkhart has covered everything from politics and healthcare to finance and technology. Editor-in-chief of The Incisor newsletter and blog and features writer at DOCS Education, she brings a refreshing insight and a passion for storytelling to the world of sedation dentistry.
References
1. Chaffee, B. W. (2025). Saving Teeth, Three (Points) at a Time. Journal of the California Dental Association, 53(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/19424396.2025.2477096
2. National Youth Sports Safety Foundation. (2023). Mouth Guards in Sports: A Necessary Piece of Equipment. Nationwide Children's Hospital. Retrieved from https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/sports-medicine/sports-medicine-articles/mouth-guards-in-sports-a-necessary-piece-of-equipment
3. Collins CL, McKenzie LB, Roberts KJ, Fields SK, Comstock RD. Mouthguard BITES (behavior, impulsivity, theory evaluation study): what drives mouthguard use among high school basketball and baseball/softball athletes. J Prim Prev. 2015 Oct;36(5):323-34. doi: 10.1007/s10935-015-0402-7. PMID: 26391156; PMCID: PMC5644347.
4. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. (2023). Policy on Prevention of Sports-related Orofacial Injuries. AAPD. Retrieved from https://pre-prod.aapd.org/research/oral-health-policies--recommendations/prevention-of-sports-related-orofacial-injuries/
5. American Dental Association. (2006). Using mouthguards to reduce the incidence and severity of sports-related oral injuries. Journal of the American Dental Association, 137(12), 1712-1720. Retrieved from https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177%2814%2964802-9/fulltext
