Accidents can happen without any warning. A friendly game of football or riding a mountain bike can lead to oral trauma. While you may never expect it to happen to you, 1 in 6 Americans experience a dental emergency annually. Although any injury to the mouth is never good, it can be especially devastating if you wear braces. You can be at risk of more severe injuries and damage to your braces. You don’t have to stop playing sports to keep your smile safe. Here are a few tips to protect your mouth when participating in sports.
1. Wear an Athletic Mouthguard
The best way to protect your teeth and braces is with an athletic mouthguard, but not any will do.
You could purchase a one-size-fits-all product over the counter, but it can do more harm than good. They aren’t custom-made to fit your mouth, which can leave you at risk of oral injuries or damage to your braces. Not to mention, they are often made of low-quality materials that won’t give you the best protection if there’s any impact on your mouth.
Instead, it’s better to visit your dentist for an athletic mouthguard. Your dentist will use advanced technology to ensure your mouthguard fits like a glove. It will be crafted from high-quality, durable materials for maximum protection while remaining comfortable for minimal irritation.
2. Take Care of Your Mouthguard
Athletes that don’t wear a mouthguard are 60 times more likely to experience an injury to their teeth. A mouthguard is just as important to wear as a helmet if you’re playing football or riding a bike. You can benefit from the best protection, as long as you care for it correctly.
Your mouthguard should be cleaned with warm water and a mild hand soap or dishwashing liquid after each use. Keep it in its storage case to protect it from damage and germs when it’s not in your mouth.
3. Don’t Wait to See a Dentist
If you should experience an oral injury, despite wearing a mouthguard, don’t wait to see your dentist. Besides a chipped, knocked-out, or loose tooth, a broken bracket or wire is also a dental emergency. Not only can you have delays in your orthodontic treatment, but protruding wires and brackets can cause injuries to the soft tissues, increasing your risk of infections.
Although no one has time for an unplanned trip to their dentist, do not wait to schedule an appointment, or a small issue can turn into a big problem. Your dentist will provide the quick care you need to rehabilitate your smile, so you can get back to participating in your favorite activities.
About Dr. Bradley Buchwald
Dr. Buchwald earned his dental degree at the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and continued his education to earn a certificate in orthodontics and a Master of Science degree in Oral Biology. Whether you need braces or an athletic mouthguard, request an appointment through our website or call (972) 330-2635.