Your favorite contact sport may be your ultimate pastime, but there are potential health risks. While there is a potential for injury in any sport, contact sports have a higher risk because of the physical interaction with other players.
Your teeth are one of the biggest things at risk for potential damage during a contact sport. Protecting your teeth during contact sports is vital for your oral health.
It’s never fun to walk away from the court or field with a knocked-out tooth or bleeding gums. Ensure you’re preventing this risk with the following dental tips.
Invest in a Quality Helmet
We know what you might be thinking: How does a helmet protect your teeth? Think of it this way—if you’re a hockey player who never wears a helmet, one powerful blow to the head could make you clench your jaw, damaging your teeth.
The helmet, however, can minimize the impact from the blow, protecting the teeth and preventing a detrimental consequence.
Remember that not all helmets are suitable for every contact sport. Ensure you’re finding one that is appropriate for your preferred sport. For instance, when you play football, a lacrosse helmet cannot offer the same protection as a football helmet.
Always Wear a Mouth Guard
The most straightforward way to avoid damaging your teeth during a contact sport is wearing a mouth guard. In fact, most sports, like football, require athletes to wear a mouth guard at all times on the field.
The protective rubber gently cushions the teeth and prevents damage when the athlete experiences a head impact. If the athlete does not wear the mouth guard, any impact during the sport risks cracking or breaking their teeth.
Know What to Do in an Emergency
Despite your best efforts, there is still a risk of damaging your teeth in contact sports, regardless of your protective measures. Ensure you understand the steps to take when your tooth gets knocked out or how to handle excess bleeding from the mouth.
The quicker you take action with dental trauma, the quicker a dentist can work to correct and fix the issue. How fast you act could be the difference between saving the broken tooth and needing other dental interventions.
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Protecting your teeth during contact sports is paramount for your dental health. No matter how careful you are, there is still a chance an accident can occur.
Contact sports are very physical; wearing a mouth guard and helmet and knowing what to do in an emergency can help minimize the risk of damage to your teeth.
