Australians have a seemingly innate fondness for sports and other forms of outdoor recreation. There’s no denying the health advantages of physical activities, but knowing the possibility of getting injured during sports is vital. When participating in impact sports such as rugby, soccer, or boxing, hundreds of athletes get dental injuries yearly.
Knocked-out teeth, lip cuts, and broken jaws are the main injuries among both the adults and children players. These dental injuries are painful, can be expensive to treat, and may have long-lasting consequences.
Therefore, protecting your teeth is crucial, whether it’s your natural teeth or you have porcelain veneers. Appropriate protective equipment can help reduce injury risk, but it cannot prevent every dental injury. In this post, we’ll discuss various measures you may take to guard your teeth when playing sports.
Safety Tips to Follow During Any Sports Activity
Always Wear a Mouthguard
A suitable mouthguard can help reduce dental injury risk during relevant sports. A mouthguard, whether it be custom-made or store-bought, is a device worn over the teeth to protect them from damage during contact sports. Sports where falls or collisions are possible, such as basketball or soccer, benefit greatly from using mouthguards, but they are especially crucial in contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing. Here are the types of mouthguards available for teeth protection:
Custom-Made Mouthguards: A dentist can assess your teeth and advise about a custom-made mouthguard. Fit, comfort and ongoing care should be reviewed; no mouthguard can prevent every injury. While custom-made mouthguards may be pricier, the investment can save you from costly dental treatments down the road.
Over-the-Counter Mouthguards: Ready-made options are a viable alternative if a custom mouthguard is not within your budget. They are readily available at sporting goods stores. Select a mouthguard designed for your sport, as different activities require varying degrees of protection.
Boil and Bite Mouthguards: These mouthguards are similar to prefabricated mouthguards, but they are created from a thermoplastic substance that can be molded to the wearer’s teeth by boiling the mouthguard. They can be found in most sports goods shops, and should be used according to the product instructions. Ask your dentist about suitability, fit, wear and replacement.
Don’t Use Worn-Out Mouthguards
Mouthguards are susceptible to wear and tear and might incur damage over time. It is essential to do routine checks on your mouthguard and to replace it if it exhibits any indications of wear and strain, such as cracks, rips, or distortion. Ask your dentist about a mouthguard that is damaged, worn or no longer fits properly.
Safety Helmets and Face Shields
When participating in activities that have a significant risk of facial injuries, it is important to use protective gear such as helmets and faceguards in addition to mouthguards. In sports such as ice hockey and lacrosse, players are required to wear helmets equipped with face shields to protect themselves from high-velocity hits. These extra layers of protection may considerably cut down on the possibility of sustaining oral injury.
Stay Hydrated While Playing
Maintaining proper hydration during athletic activity is essential, not just for your general health but also for the health of your teeth, gums, and composite veneers. It is possible for dehydration to cause dry mouth, which in turn raises the chance of developing dental disorders such as cavities and gum disease. You should frequently consume water to ensure your body stays hydrated.
Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining strict oral hygiene is essential for safeguarding your natural or porcelain veneer teeth when participating in athletics. Preventing gum disease and cavities, which may weaken your veneers, requires diligent daily brushing, flossing, and frequent dental checkups. Oral care and review help manage risk, but veneers may still need maintenance, repair or replacement.
Dealing with Emergencies
Even if you’re very careful, accidents may still occur. When playing sports, it’s important to be prepared in case you take a hit to the face or mouth. You should see a doctor immediately and contact your dentist as soon as possible to discuss the condition of your porcelain veneers in Sydney. The treatment required and whether a tooth or restoration can be retained depend on the injury and individual assessment.
Final Thoughts
A suitable mouthguard can help reduce dental injury risk during relevant sports, but it cannot prevent every injury. Ask your dentist about fit and ongoing care.