How to Protect Your Teeth While Playing Sports
When participating in sports, whether contact or non-contact, your mouth and teeth are at risk of injury from people and objects. That’s why safeguarding your smile and oral health is crucial. Twin Aspen Dental Center offers tips to help protect teeth during sports. We’ll help boost your oral health and keep your teeth safe. Contact us to learn more.
Common Mouth Injuries in Sports
Sports contribute to a significant percentage of dental injuries. The popularity of contact sports increases incidents of traumatic dental injuries. Common dental risks from sporting activities include cuts to lips and gums, broken or lost teeth, and tooth misalignment.
Wear a Mouthguard
To protect your teeth proactively, a mouthguard is indispensable for every athlete engaged in activities that involve falls, contact, or fast objects. This includes team sports like football, basketball, and hockey, as well as individual pursuits like skateboarding and mountain biking. Without a mouthguard, athletes are 60 times more likely to incur dental damage.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
We believe in routine dental visits to boost your oral hygiene and health. Strong, healthy teeth are less prone to damage. Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly to keep your teeth strong and resilient.
Avoid Chewing on Hard Objects
Refrain from chewing on items like ice, pens, or hard candy during games or practice. These can weaken or chip your teeth, making them more vulnerable to injury during physical activity. Never have anything in your mouth but your mouthguard when playing sports.
Take Care of Your Mouthguard
A custom-fitted mouthguard provided by your dentist helps prevent unnecessary complications like headaches, jaw pain, or mouth soreness. Maintaining your mouthguard involves cleaning it after each use, allowing it to dry, and storing it properly. Regular dental check-ups should include your mouthguard so we can ensure it remains a perfect fit and give it a thorough clean. Regularly inspect your mouthguard and other protective gear for signs of wear and tear. Worn-out equipment may not provide adequate protection, so replace it as needed to ensure maximum safety.
Protect Your Head and Teeth With a Helmet
Are you aware that a helmet serves as a dual shield, safeguarding both your head and your teeth? While you might underestimate the likelihood of dental injury, taking precautions is always wise. On your next adventure, wearing a helmet is a powerful step towards comprehensive protection.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
In the event of a dental mishap during sports, quick action is key. If a tooth is knocked out, try re-inserting it into the socket if clean. If that’s not possible, store it in milk or keep it in your mouth and head to a dentist immediately. Remember not to panic, avoid touching the tooth by the root, and refrain from using disinfectants or water. The faster the tooth is replaced, the higher the success rate for reattachment.
Best Mouthguard for Athletes
When it comes to protecting your teeth during sports, choosing the right mouthguard makes all the difference. The best mouthguards for athletes should offer a perfect balance of comfort, fit, and durability. Custom-fit mouthguards are highly recommended as they are tailored to the unique shape of your mouth, ensuring optimal protection and ease of use. Regardless of your choice, prioritize a mouthguard that is made from high-quality materials, is properly cushioned, and allows for easy breathing and communication. Don’t compromise when it comes to safeguarding your teeth.
Equipped for Dental Emergencies
Stay ready to tackle any dental emergency with the right gear in place. Utilizing mouth guards and helmets during sports activities is essential for tooth protection, but there’s even more to consider. Our emergency dental care services are dedicated to assisting you with any unexpected dental distress. From dealing with fractured molars to chipped enamel, our expert team is poised to support you in preserving that cherished smile.
Contact Twin Aspen Dental Center
Twin Aspen Dental Center cares about the health of your teeth. Our team is here to guide you in the best ways to protect your teeth during sports. Though preventing sports dental injuries is challenging, we can help with protection through proper mouthguards. Reach out to our team today to schedule an appointment.