Did you know that there is an increased risk of damage to your teeth when you play physical contact sports? Making sure that your teeth are protected from damage, as well as knowing how to act during an emergency will help you enjoy your fun activities more, while at the same time protect your smile.

Have you considered wearing mouth guards?

If you or your child plays team sports, a mouth guard is an excellent investment for your oral protection. Very few people actually think about getting broken teeth until it happens to them. Yet a lot of athletes, even some pros players are reluctant to wear mouth guards. But remember that you don’t get to regrow your permanent teeth, so protecting them is the only way to keep them.

Using a mouth guard that fits perfectly not only protects your teeth but also reduces the risk of getting mouth-related injuries to your tongue, gums, and cheeks. It is better to have one that is customized by your dentist to ensure a perfect fit. Make sure that you clean your mouth guard after every use to avoid the growth of bacteria and the buildup of plaque because it will be in contact with your teeth for hours. You should also take your mouth guard to your dentist so it can be examined for any signs of wear and damage.

You can take it further with face protection!

There are contact sports that require proper face protection. These include boxing, baseball, lacrosse, football, and hockey, among others. When you play these sports, a mouth guard is not enough to protect your mouth from the trauma in case you get hit with a fist, a ball, or a puck. You would want to protect your whole face from injury. While it may be inconvenient as wearing one may limit your field of view, that’s a minor concern compared to the problem a dental emergency can give you.

Accidents do happen.

Sometimes though, injuries do happen, and they can lead to chipped, broken, or lost tooth. Chipped tooth may be repaired using a cosmetic bonding procedure. Even a knocked-out tooth can still be saved and re-implanted, given the right conditions. Of course, those would work only for adults as re-implanting teeth won’t work for kids. Do consult your dentist immediately in case of a dental emergency as most of them require immediate attention.

If a sports injury has left you needing a restorative procedure, contact Dental Laboratory Associates. We can help find you a reliable dentist in your area who can provide you with excellent services and restore your smile.