Did you know that 40% of all dental injuries in the United States are connected to sports in some way? It’s an unfortunate fact that many athletic activities can lead to teeth being broken or knocked out of the mouth altogether. Fortunately, you don’t need to stay off the court or field if you want to keep your smile safe; you just need to make sure that you’ve invested in a high-quality professional mouthguard. What Sports or Athletic Activities Should You Wear a Mouthguard For? Mouthguards are usually required for sports that involve a lot of contact. Basketball, football, hockey, boxing, and martial arts are all examples of such sports. However, even activities that are usually low in contact – such as baseball, gymnastics, surfing, or skiing – could still result in taking a blow to the mouth that damages your teeth. As such, it’s highly recommended that you wear a mouthguard for any kind of athletic activity, even if you’re not told that it’s a requirement. After all, permanent teeth don’t grow back, and they lack the means to heal themselves; if you plan on keeping your natural smile intact for the rest of your life, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Where Should You Get Your Mouthguard? You can either get a mouthguard from the store or your dentist. Store-bought mouthguards are usually more affordable, but the tradeoff is that they haven’t been personalized for your smile. That means that they won’t be as comfortable in your mouth, and the protection they offer won’t be as good. Generally speaking, it’s worth investing in a mouthguard that has been customized to fit perfectly over your teeth. You can schedule an appointment with your dentist today to ask about having a professional mouthguard made. Are There Any Other Ways You Can Protect Your Smile? Wearing a mouthguard will go a long way towards protecting your teeth from injury, but athletes need to take other precautions to avoid oral health issues, such as: • Regular Brushing and Flossing: Practice can make it hard to maintain a consistent oral hygiene schedule, but you should still make the effort to brush and floss twice a day. • Drinking Water Instead of Sports Drinks: Even though sports drinks are advertised as a healthy option for athletes, they usually contain a lot of sugar that can lead to cavities. You’ll be better off sticking to water to keep your body hydrated without putting your teeth at risk for decay. • Regular Dental Appointments: During a biannual dental checkup, your dentist can examine your teeth for problems, including any dental damage that might have been inflicted without you realizing it. Treating these issues now could help you avoid worse injuries in the future. Sports-related dental emergencies are more common than you’d probably like to think. Wearing a mouthguard and taking other precautions could make all the difference for your smile.
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