How to Prevent Dental Injuries During Sports and Outdoor Fun?

Did you get hit by a soccer ball and now are unable to stop oral bleeding? Joyful moments can turn into a dental disaster if you are not careful enough. It is actually quite easy to avoid serious dental injuries by following just a few simple steps. If you need specialized equipment, you can always see a dentist to get it custom-fitted to your mouth.

Read this blog to learn how you can prevent dental injuries during sports and outdoor activities.

Why Dental Injuries Are Common in Sports?

Sports can be exciting, but quick changes, sudden contact, and bumping up against teammates or gear can compromise your teeth. The American Dental Association states that players with no protection have a higher chance of experiencing tooth injury compared to their protected teammates. 

Some common sports dental emergencies include 

• Tooth fractures ranging from small chips to deep cracks
• Intrusion of the tooth
• Knocked-out tooth
• Luxation injuries 
• Soft tissue injuries to the lips, cheeks, or tongue

Smart Moves to Avoid Dental Injuries

Here are some moves that can help you prevent a sports-related dental emergency in Nashua:

Protective Guards

Mouthguards have been shown to prevent dental injuries by 1.6-1.9 times. They provide a shock-absorbing cushion that guards teeth, tongue, lips, and jaw. Stock ones are premade, affordable, but they might not fit properly.

Boil-and-bite ones can be customized for a more comfortable fit, with moderate protection. Custom-fit mouthguards are handcrafted for precise fit and comfort.

Helmets and Face Shields: 

Face shields or cage helmets are crucial in sports such as baseball, hockey, lacrosse, and cycling. They shield your whole face from stray balls, sticks, or inadvertent elbows that may cause dental damage.

Preseason Dental Checkups

Before the game season begins, make an appointment with the dentist. They will be able to identify weak areas, loose teeth, or other susceptibilities that could leave you vulnerable to injury. 

The professionals can also suggest specialized orthodontic gear to protect you from a dental emergency.

Maintain Healthy Teeth

Strong, healthy teeth are less likely to crack or break. Brush and floss your teeth daily, and don’t miss routine dental checkups. Healthy gums and enamel give your mouth a better chance of surviving an unexpected blow.

Steer Clear of Hazardous Moves

Do you know what the easiest way is to protect your mouth while playing sports? Just avoid dangerous moves.  Biting open a bottle, gripping gear with your mouth, or chewing hard things during games can lead to a disaster.

Why Prevention Pays Off?

Protecting your teeth is more than just avoiding unnecessary dental expenses. It’s confidence, performance, and peace of mind. If you are a professional player, it’s natural for you to feel sad about missing out on adventures due to an avoidable injury. 

Armed with the proper gear and some prep time, you can focus on the thrill of the game without worrying about your oral health.

Ready to gear up for your next game or outdoor adventure? Contact us today to select the best mouthguard, schedule a preseason checkup, or get responses to any questions about dental emergency prevention.