Fall is a time of changing foliage, spiced hot beverages, hayrides, and contact sports. Whether you engage in fall sports for fun or your kids participate in school and community leagues, protecting teeth should always be a priority. More than 5 million teeth a year are avulsed, or knocked out, in the United States due to sports, something you can easily avoid with the right protective gear. Here, the oral surgeon at Oral Surgery Associates of Central Georgia in Warner Robins outlines what you can do to prevent dental injuries from fall sports.

How to Protect Your Teeth From Fall Sport-Related Injuries: Your Local Oral Surgeon Explains

Use a Mouthguard

Mouthguards protect the top and bottom teeth from contact sports injuries such as boxing and football, though you can use them in any sport. Hard plastic mouthguards found in retail stores offer the least protection because they do not conform to the teeth. Boil-and-bite guards are also available in retail stores and involve placing the product in boiling water to soften the plastic.

These guards subsequently mold around the teeth to create a better fit. Custom mouthguards made by dentists and oral surgeons offer the most protection because they are designed specifically for your mouth. Mouthguards reduce the risk of lip, gum, and cheek injuries in addition to broken teeth.

Wear Face Cages or Helmets

Face cages and helmets provide excellent mouth protection during physical activities. Goalies in hockey wear face cages due to their increased risk of collision with players from the opposite team while they protect the goal. Helmets protect the face and head in sports that involve serious speed, including football, skating, hockey, and bike riding. They help prevent concussions and are recommended for most sports regardless of the impact risk.

If you or a loved one knocks out a tooth during a fall contact sport or any other activity, see your local oral surgeon as quickly as possible. Keep the tooth either between the teeth and gums or in milk to increase the chance of reattachment success. If the tooth cannot be reattached, there are numerous restoration options available, including dental implants and bridges.

The oral surgeon at Oral Surgery Associates of Central Georgia offers facial trauma surgery and dental implants among many other specialized oral care services to restore and protect your teeth. Call (478) 971-8811 today to schedule an appointment or visit the website for more procedure information.