Playing sports is an important part of life for many people, but contact sports pose risks to your dental health. Dental injuries are common when you don't take the proper precautions to prevent broken teeth and other dental emergencies. What can you do to protect your smile and keep your mouth healthy when engaging in high-contact sports?
Here are a few tried-and-true ways to keep healthy teeth and avoid traumatic dental injuries:
Always Wear Mouthguards
Perhaps the most important thing you can do to prevent a dental issue during physical activity is to make a mouthguard a non-negotiable part of your participation in a sport. Mouthguards are designed to cushion the teeth, but they do more than that. They also protect your lips, tongue, and even your jaw from extensive damage during sporting events.
The key is ensuring you have a successful and secure fit with your guard. Your teeth will thank you, and it will be much more comfortable for you to wear this essential piece while participating in athletic activities.
Drinking Water
Whether you're mountain biking or playing sports, you likely work up quite a thirst while engaging in physical activities. It can be tempting to reach for a sports drink that contains electrolytes, especially because these are advertised for serious athletes.
However, the sugar they contain can be bad for your teeth. If you leave sugar sitting on your teeth for an extended period of time, you’ll be more likely to experience tooth decay and cavities.
Think twice before grabbing a sports drink. You’re better off drinking water to get the hydration you need without damaging your teeth.
Keep Up With Good Dental Hygiene
The Canadian Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day and flossing for ideal oral health. How does this help you to protect your smile when it comes to playing sports? It's simple: A weak tooth that has been ravaged by decay, plaque, and bacteria is going to be more prone to dental injuries.
The best thing you can do is take proper care of your oral health to protect yourself from future injuries. You should also see a dentist regularly so that they can work with you to keep your front teeth and smile safe from injury in football and other sports.
See Your Dentist in the Event of Injury
If your goal is to protect your mouth at all costs while engaging in your favourite sport, then you need to see a dentist to help. They can help you get a perfect fit for a mouthguard, letting you safely practice the sports you love, whether that's soccer, hockey, football, or something else.
If you need a Winnipeg dentist, contact East Kildonan Dental Group today for more information on how our team of dentists can help you protect your smile while playing sports.