Playing sports is a great way to stay in shape and build rapport with your fellow teammates. However, tooth-related injuries often happen during games, which is why dentists recommend mouthguards for those who play sports regularly. Below is a quick guide to protecting your smile while enjoying your favorite sport.

Which Sports Require Mouthguards

Some sports, like football and hockey, require mouthguards because contact sports entail a higher risk of dental damage. However, many dentists are urging their patients to wear mouthguards for any type of sporting activity that involves a the potential for trauma to the mouth by a person or a ball, such as baseball, basketball, softball, soccer, wrestling, gymnastics, and volleyball. This will protect your teeth if you are hit by anything accidentally, which could cause broken or dislodged teeth. Play it safe and wear a mouthguard every time you’re on the field.

How to Choose the Best Mouthguard

Over-the-counter guards are inexpensive, which may be suitable for young children whose permanent teeth have not come in yet. However, they are lower quality, so they may not work as well as a custom-made guard created by your dentist. Discuss options with your dentist, and never play with an ill-fitting mouthguard. The device should fit snugly over the teeth and cover them completely. There should not be spaces or gaps between the guard and the teeth.  A custom-made mouthguard will also allow you to talk and communicate with your teammates and coaches without removing it.

What to Do During a Dental Emergency

If you experience trauma to the mouth severe enough to knock out a tooth, don’t panic. Locate the tooth, clean it gently to remove any dirt or debris (do not scrub the tooth or remove any tissue), and place it back in the socket if possible. This helps preserve it until you can get to the dentist. If you can’t place it in the socket, put it in a glass of milk. Do not place the tooth in water as it will wash away the nutrients the tooth needs to be reinserted. This will keep the tooth viable until you make it to the dentist’s office. Whatever you do, don’t delay. If the tooth is out of the mouth for more than 60 minutes the chances for successful reimplantation decrease significantly.  

In Columbia, MO, Keen Dental Care offers a wide range of athletic mouth wear to sporting types of all ages. They utilize UnderArmour™ Performance Mouthwear options, which provide maximized protection and a comfortable fit. They also provide many other essential dental services, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, root canal therapy, and cosmetic procedures like veneers and whitening. Call (573) 875-5336 to schedule an appointment with a dentist, and visit the website to learn more about their team.