Sports and Your Teeth - Protecting Your Smile While You Play
Posted on 2/3/2025 by Mark Bieber |
 Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just enjoy playing sports for fun, protecting your teeth should be a top priority. Sports injuries, especially to the face and mouth, are more common than you might think. In fact, the American Dental Association estimates that over 5 million teeth are knocked out each year due to sports-related injuries.
Why Protecting Your Teeth During Sports is Important
Mouth injuries can be painful, expensive to treat, and even lead to long-term dental problems. Losing a tooth can affect your ability to eat, speak, and smile. It can also make it difficult to properly clean your teeth, which can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease. Additionally, a serious mouth injury can require extensive dental work, including crowns, bridges, or even implants.
How to Protect Your Teeth During Sports
The good news is that there are several things you can do to protect your teeth while playing sports:
Wear a Mouth Guard
The single most important thing you can do to protect your teeth is to wear a mouth guard. A mouth guard is a soft, flexible appliance that fits over your teeth and gums. It helps to absorb the impact of a blow to the face, which can prevent or minimize damage to your teeth.
There are three main types of mouth guards:
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Stock mouth guards: These are the least expensive type of mouth guard and can be found at most sporting goods stores. They are pre-made and come in a variety of sizes. However, they may not fit well and can be uncomfortable to wear. |
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Boil-and-bite mouth guards: These mouth guards are made of a thermoplastic material that you soften in hot water. You then bite down on the mouth guard to mold it to your teeth. Boil-and-bite mouth guards are more comfortable than stock mouth guards, but they may not fit as well as custom-made mouth guards. |
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Custom mouth guards: These mouth guards are made by a dentist and are the most expensive option. However, they are also the most comfortable and provide the best protection. |
Use Other Safety Equipment
In addition to wearing a mouth guard, you can also help to protect your teeth by using other safety equipment, such as a helmet and face mask. Helmets can help to prevent head injuries, which can also lead to mouth injuries. Face masks can help to protect your teeth from being hit by a ball or other object.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
It is also important to maintain good oral hygiene to protect your teeth from sports-related injuries. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Conclusion
Playing sports is a great way to stay active and have fun. However, it is important to take steps to protect your teeth from injury. By wearing a mouth guard, using other safety equipment, and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can help to ensure that your smile stays healthy and strong.
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