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. With the necessary safety measures and the use of protective gear, you may play sports without risking damage to your teeth. 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
Wearing a mouthguard is one of the best methods to prevent damage to your teeth from occurring while participating in 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: These are considered the gold standard in mouth protection. A dentist takes impressions of your teeth and creates a mouthguard tailored specifically to your mouth. The precise fit ensures maximum comfort and protection. 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 their protection is superior to that of standard mouthguards. While the improved fit of these mouthguards is welcome, the softer material won’t hold up to repeated use.
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. A mouthguard that has been damaged will not be able to offer the essential protection and might actually increase the risk of harm.
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. Your veneers will retain their beauty and function if you practice good dental care.
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. Your chances of keeping that dazzling grin increase the sooner you take care of the problem.
Final Thoughts
Preserving good oral health necessitates that you use a mouth guard whenever you engage in sports. Taking these steps properly will guarantee your beautiful smile lasts a lifetime. Remember that prevention is always preferable to cure. Have fun, play it safe, and remember always to wear a winning grin.
