Posted on May 12, 2022
Taking care of our teeth is an important part of life, but for those who play contact sports on a regular basis, there can be times when your teeth may get damaged, or the proper care can be difficult. Dentists often see the aftermath of contact sports and need to provide care for chipped or broken teeth. If you are involved in playing sports, here’s what you need to know to help you take care of your teeth.
Always, always wear a mouthguard
Would you get on the ice without your helmet or knee pads? Or get into the ring without your gloves? Make sure your mouthguard is also part of your uniform, and you don’t play without it. You can purchase generic mouthguards that fit most people’s mouths; however, if you can afford to do so, it’s highly recommended you get a custom fit mouthguard.
Our custom fit mouthguards are made from a mold that is taken directly from your mouth. This means it fits to your teeth and provides better protection. It might take a little while to get used to it, but eventually, it will feel very natural to wear it during play.
Sugary drinks on the bench
Often, players will consume sugary sports drinks while on the bench, waiting for their turn to go back into the game. The bacteria that is naturally in your mouth will use the sugar from these drinks to produce an acid that weakens the enamel of your teeth – which is the outer shell/portion that protects against cavities. When this part is weaker, your teeth may be more susceptible to cavities and other major dental issues.
If you enjoy sports drinks, supplement it with the occasional sip of water to help wash some of that sugar off your teeth and reduce your risk of cavities
Brush and floss regularly
Regular dental hygiene is important for everyone, including athletes. Make sure that you are still brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing after eating.
Having healthy teeth isn’t just about preventing cavities and major dental issues. If you have healthy teeth, they are less susceptible to injury in the event of contact. If you have teeth that have large fillings in them or already have some decay happening, then they will not be nearly as strong as a natural healthy tooth would be.
Get any dental issues fixed
If you do have a sports injury, or even if you have chipped a tooth during your regular daily activities, you should always make sure you make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. When it comes to chipped teeth, bacteria can get into the tooth and cause damage.
Your dentist will be able to determine if they can repair your tooth or if you need to have a bigger procedure done.
Contact Creekview Dental today
If you’re looking to have a mouthguard made, our dentists can do the molds and have them custom made for you within a couple of days. And we are also here for you should you already have damage to your teeth that requires repair. Call us today to make an appointment.