Emergency Dentist Tips: Guarding Against Sports Injuries

Any emergency dentist will tell you that injuries to the mouth and teeth are common. A very high number of dental injuries affect the front teeth. Damage to the soft tissues of the mouth, including the tongue, inner cheeks and lips, is also common. Sports injuries are a major source of tooth and mouth injuries in both adults and older adolescents. Read on to learn about how you can guard against sports injuries.
Emergency dentist and sports safety
A high percentage of dental injuries in adults and older children occur while playing sports. Fortunately, people can protect their teeth when playing sports or participating in close-contact recreational activities. It is always advisable for adults and children to take measures geared toward ensuring they are safe. Here are some tips on how to prevent sports injuries.
Helmets
People who take part in activities that involve impact or speed should wear helmets. These include skating, bike riding, football and hockey. The helmet should be made for the activity a person is participating in. This will help provide optimal protection. Even though many helmets do not protect the mouth and teeth, these items protect the head, which is another important area. A mouthguard, depending on the activity, may also be recommended.
Mouthguards
Wearing a mouthguard when playing sports is highly recommended. It is one of the most ideal ways of protecting the mouth and teeth. People who play any type of sport that involves balls, bats, sticks or person-to-person contact, such as hockey, soccer or football, can benefit from investing in them. A person can find mouthguards for sale over-the-counter. However, these mouthguards may not offer the ideal fit. They can also be uncomfortable.
Dentists often recommend a custom-fit mouthguard. This option often fits better, which means it is more effective in protecting the teeth. Wearing a mouthguard every day while practicing may be a pain, but it is better than dealing with a dental injury that can follow. The cost of replacing a lost tooth is way more compared to the cost of a custom-fitted mouthguard.
Knocked-out tooth
About 80% of dental injuries affect one or more teeth. Even if a person’s tooth has been knocked out, it usually can be saved if the individual gets to the office of the dentist quickly. There is a high chance that a knocked-out tooth can be saved if an emergency dentist returns it to its socket within about an hour of being knocked out. Minor chips and cracks can also be repaired. A dentist may use tooth-colored materials that may be almost as strong as the original tooth. But even minor injuries can cause serious damage.
Takeaway
If you play sports or enjoy other high-risk activities, protect yourself. If you have any questions about how to protect your teeth during a given sport, talk to a dentist. The dentist can help you choose the equipment or items that can protect you. The dentist will ultimately help you pick the helmet that is most appropriate and create a custom mouthguard that can fit your teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://www.southfloridadentalarts.com or call South Florida Dental Arts at (305) 230-4041 for an appointment in our Miami office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
You may have heard of CEREC® crowns as an option for repairing your tooth, but you might wonder if more traditional crowns are better for you. The truth is that it is not a simple decision. Different options work better for different people. When you need a crown put on your damaged tooth, you should…
While traditional crowns take multiple appointments to apply, CEREC® options require just one dental visit. These same-day restorations are made in the dentist’s office immediately after the patient has been prepped and images of the mouth have been taken. As a result, patients can forgo making future appointments for the same crown. To better understand…
Many people start their search for a local dentist by typing "find a dentist near me" into the search box of their internet browser. However, finding a local dentist who provides high-quality care, feels comfortable, and meets your or your family's dental needs starts with knowing what to look for. Understanding the key features of…
Getting a crown usually requires at least two dental visits: One to take a mold and the second to install the restoration. A CEREC® machine allows dentists to install a long-term crown in one visit by milling a replacement tooth on the same day as the fitting visit.Chairside Economical Restoration of Ceramics uses special computer…