Taking care of your teeth is one of the most important things you can do to ensure overall health and wellness. Your teeth are also one of the first things people notice about you during your daily interactions. We can’t deny the benefits of a beautiful smile therefore the importance of proper dental care habits can’t be overstated.
Dental hygiene is one thing but for people who play sports, taking care of the teeth becomes way more complicated. Athletes or anyone who is involved in any type of sports should pay special attention to the way they treat their teeth. This care comes in the form of dental care but also being careful on the field. Athletes of many sports and skill levels should be mindful of this.
If you are a serious athlete then you would probably have a set schedule for eating and training. This is a good way to keep track of your activities so that you can excel in your sport of choice. The same attitude should be applied when it comes to taking care of your teeth. If you do not do this you could end up having to take time away from sports because of the recovery and treatment required due to injuries. Some of these injuries require serious dental procedures to be performed on you.
Unfortunately, injuries are probably not new to you if you are an athlete. But tooth and mouth-related injuries are actually the most common sports injuries sustained by athletes. Therefore, athletes need to take conscientious steps to protect their teeth when they play.
We spoke to Crescent Park Dental who recommends taking all the necessary precautions to ensure that you’re at your best on the field. These are some practices that will help you
Properly Prepare
The importance of preparedness can’t be overstated. You should always be prepared for a dental emergency even if you always wear a mouthguard. The first rule of prevention is maintaining a high level of oral health by brushing three times per day and flossing as well.
It’s also a good idea to visit your dentist at least every three months. You should also be prepared to address common dental emergencies by keeping a dental emergency kit close to you so that you can minimize the damage caused by injuries. Some of these kits have all that you need for emergency situations such as toothaches, dental trauma lost fillings. These can help you temporarily remedy the situation until you are able to see a dentist.
You should also consult your dentist for advice on what you should keep in your kit to ensure that you are sufficiently prepared. Having a good relationship with your dentist for emergency dental situations is also a good idea. To make sure that you are able to enjoy sports without worrying so much about injuries to your precious teeth requires a bit of prevention and preparation.
Helmets
If you’re an athlete who plays contact sports then you know it can seriously destroy your teeth. Fast-paced high-impact sports like biking, hockey, skating, or football require helmets so that your head and mouth can be protected. Helmets can greatly reduce the likelihood of injury if fitted properly.
Mouth Guards
Perhaps, the most important piece of safety equipment that you can use to protect your teeth is a mouthguard. Chipped or broken teeth nerve, damage, and tooth loss can all be avoided if you properly use your mouthguard. It is always better to have a custom-fit mouth protector, specially made by your dentist for the best results. But there are a wide variety of mouthguards on the market to choose from. A specially fitted mouthguard offers expensive protection and supports the mouth overall.
Reduce the Sugar while playing sports
Even though there are many ways that you can protect your teeth during sports, your habits can reduce the quality of your teeth during the game as well. One of such ways is the consumption of sugary drinks while you are on the field. This is because many people don’t brush their teeth right afterward, and the bacteria in your mouth takes hold of the sugar and creates a portent acid that weakens the enamel of your teeth. If this is practiced for a prolonged period of time, it results in cavities that destroy your dental hygiene.
See your dentist regularly and in emergencies
There is still the possibility of accidents despite an athlete wearing protective gear and practicing proper oral hygiene. If you are an athlete with a dental emergency you should act as quickly as possible to increase the likelihood that your teeth can be saved. Ensure that you immediately see your dentist.
