Playing sports and exercising is an excellent way to remain fit, develop teamwork skills, and have recreational time. Most sports, though, are risky and carry with them mouth and tooth injuries. All athletes, regardless of age, should be careful to prevent their smiles from being destroyed. One of the best ways to protect your teeth is through the use of a Sports Mouthguard in Toledo. Whether you play contact sports or do recreational activities, dental safety must be a top priority.
The Importance of Protecting Your Teeth During Sports
Accidents are a common occurrence in sports. The causes of such injuries could be a sudden fall, an elbow to the face, or a ball that comes flying your way, leading to unfortunate injuries to the mouth and teeth. The more common injuries to teeth include the following:
- Chipped or broken teeth: In some cases, teeth may crack or fracture upon hard impact. This occurs when there is a striking force against it.
- A tooth has been knocked out: This happens when there is a very strong force applied to it that causes it to go out of its socket.
- Injuries to the soft tissue: Soft tissue in the mouth includes the lips, gums, and cheek. Collisions, as well as biting accidents, will lead to these being cut and bruised.
- Fractured jaw: This might happen, too, especially in high-impact sports where jaw alignment fractures.
Prevention of dental injuries should be emphasized, though the use of protective equipment can largely minimize the potential risks.
Which Sports Require A Mouthguard?
Mouthguards are not only for professional athletes. Anyone engaging in sports with potential contact should consider wearing one. Some of the sports where a Sports Mouthguard near you can provide essential protection include:
- Football: High-contact nature increases the risk of facial injuries.
- Basketball: Jumping and close contact make dental injuries common.
- Hockey: Pucks, sticks, and player collisions pose a high risk.
- Soccer: Accidental elbows, falls, and headbutts can damage teeth.
- Martial Arts & Boxing: Direct facial impact is frequent in these sports.
- Skateboarding & Cycling: Falls and crashes can lead to serious dental trauma.
- Wrestling & Rugby: Close-contact nature increases the risk of mouth injuries.
Even non-contact sports, such as gymnastics or mountain biking, can result in falls that lead to dental damage. Wearing a mouthguard is a simple yet effective way to minimize these risks.
Types of Mouthguards: Choosing the Best One for You
There are different types of mouthguards available, each offering varying levels of protection and comfort:
- Stock Mouthguards: These are pre-formed and ready to wear but often bulky and uncomfortable. They provide limited protection since they don’t conform to the individual’s teeth.
- Boil-and-bite Mouthguards: These are more adaptable as they soften in hot water and mould to the shape of the teeth when bitten down. They provide better protection than stock options but may not be as durable.
- Custom-Fitted Mouthguards: Made by a dental office in Toledo, these mouthguards are specifically designed for an individual’s mouth. They offer the best fit, comfort, and protection, making them ideal for serious athletes.
Benefits of Using a Sports Mouthguard
A quality mouthguard does more than just protect your teeth. Here are some key benefits:
- Prevents tooth fractures and loss: absorbs impact and distributes force to minimize injury.
- Reduces risk of jaw injuries: helps stabilize the jaw and lower the chances of fractures.
- Protects soft tissues: shields the lips, cheeks, and tongue from cuts.
- Enhances performance: athletes feel more confident and focused knowing their teeth are protected.
- Cost-effective prevention: avoids expensive dental procedures resulting from sports injuries.
What to Do If a Dental Injury Occurs
Despite taking precautions, accidents can still happen. Knowing what to do in case of a dental injury can make a difference in saving a tooth.
- For a knocked-out tooth: keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or a tooth preservation solution and seek immediate dental care.
- For a cracked tooth: rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- For soft tissue injuries: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth and seek professional care if bleeding persists.
- For jaw injuries: Avoid moving the jaw and visit a dentist or emergency room as soon as possible.
Protect Your Smile with Classic Smiles Dental
At Classic Smiles Dental, we are dedicated to protecting your smile and keeping it healthy. Our dentist in Toledo offers top-quality, custom mouthguards for the ultimate comfort and protection. Call us today to make an appointment and get fitted for a sports mouthguard in your area. Your teeth are worth the best protection—don’t risk your smile!
