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.

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