How to Prevent Sports-Related Dental Injuries?

Participating in sports is an excellent way to stay active and healthy, but it can also put your teeth at risk of injury. According to the American Dental Association, sports-related injuries account for up to 39% of all dental injuries. The good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent sports-related dental injuries.

It would be helpful for you to know various ways to protect your teeth while playing sports, such as wearing a mouthguard, being aware of your surroundings, and practicing good dental hygiene. By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of dental injuries and enjoy the benefits of participating in sports without compromising your oral health. You can also contact Union City, Georgia family dental care for dental injuries.

Tips to prevent sports-related dental injuries:

Wear a mouthguard

A custom-fitted mouthguard provides maximum protection and comfort, allowing you to breathe and communicate easily during sports activities. Mouthguards can also prevent concussions and jaw fractures and reduce the risk of soft tissue injuries.

Different mouthguards are available, such as boil-and-bite, stock, and custom-fitted. Choosing the correct type of mouthguard for your sports activity is essential, as ensuring it fits well provides optimal protection.

Choose the correct type of mouthguard.

When selecting a mouthguard, choosing the right type that fits your teeth and offers proper protection is crucial. Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear, while boil and bite mouthguards can be customized by heating them in water and molding them to your teeth.

Custom-fitted mouthguards are the most expensive but provide the best fit and protection. A well-fitted mouthguard should be comfortable, allow effortless breathing and speaking, and protect the upper and lower teeth from impact.

Wear a helmet

Wearing a helmet is crucial in sports like football, hockey, and biking as it provides additional protection to the head and face. In case of an impact, the helmet absorbs the shock, reducing the risk of severe head injuries, including dental injuries.

Choosing a helmet that fits correctly and has a face guard to protect the mouth and teeth is essential. Wearing a helmet can prevent a wide range of dental injuries, including fractures, chips, and knockouts, and ensure you can continue to play your favorite sports safely.

Get regular dental check-ups.

Regular dental check-ups are essential to maintain oral health and identify dental issues early on. Athletes must visit the dentist regularly to ensure their teeth and gums are healthy and robust enough to withstand the rigors of sports.

The dentist can assess existing dental problems during a dental check-up and recommend appropriate preventive measures to prevent sports-related dental injuries. They can also provide custom-made mouthguards to protect the teeth and jaw from any impact during sports activities.