Engaging in sports, whether individual or team-based, is an excellent opportunity for both children and adults to showcase physical skills and agility and build self-confidence. However, while sports participation keeps the body healthy and strong, there is risk of damage to the mouth and teeth.
As you probably already know, people playing contact sports have a greater risk of suffering serious dental injuries. If you are playing one of these sports, consider wearing a dental appliance to help protect your mouth (and “chompers”):
- Boxing
- Baseball
- Wrestling
- Hockey
- Martial Arts
- Lacrosse
- Basketball
- Football
- Soccer
- Rugby
Even if a sport does not require protective dental gear, dental professionals highly recommend wearing a sports guard (a mouthguard specifically designed for these activities) to prevent minor and major oral injuries.
Preventing Dental Injuries with a Sports Guard
Trauma caused by playing contact sports can result in dislodged or fractured teeth and laceration of the gums. The key to preventing or reducing the severity of sports-related dental injuries is as simple as wearing a sports guard.
A sports guard is a soft plastic or laminate appliance used to prevent injuries to the mouth, teeth, cheeks, gums, tongue, and jaw. In fact, a sports guard can be considered one of the most vital parts of an athlete’s uniform because they can prevent more than 200,000 oral injuries each year.
Using a high-quality sports guard can help you avoid these sport-induced dental injuries:
1. Crown Fracture – Crown fractures are a common dental trauma in contact sports. The damage to the tooth may range from minor chipping to breaking the whole crown.
2. Tooth Displacement – When a tooth is displaced it becomes sensitive and causes discomfort. Wearing a sports guard cushions the teeth and prevents them from potential displacement.
3. Avulsion – Dental avulsion occurs when the tooth is removed completely. This is a serious dental emergency requiring reinsertion of the tooth in its socket within twenty minutes to increase its chances of surviving.
4. Missing Tooth – Losing a tooth is painful. When a tooth is knocked out and cannot be restored, the resulting gap can negatively impact a person’s self-confidence, and be vulnerable to bacteria.
5. Soft Tissue Injury – Getting hit with tremendous force can cause teeth to tear or abrade the soft tissues of the mouth. Wearing a sports guard prevents this.
6. Broken Jaw – A strong blow to the head can cause teeth to clash together. A sports guard can prevent a fractured jaw by providing a cushion.
There is no reason to avoid playing your favourite sports. Remember to include wearing a high-quality sports guard in your game plan. Visit your Bowmanville dentist to help you choose a sports guard that is right for you. Call Ohana Dental Clinic at (905) 697-3440. Our professional team of dentists also offers same-day dental emergency services.