SPORTS GUARDS

Whether you wear braces or not, protecting your smile while playing sports is essential. Injuries to the mouth and jaw are some of the most common injuries received by athletes. Mouthguards help protect your teeth and gums. If you participate in basketball, boxing, hockey, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, rugby, track and field, skateboarding, skiing and snowboarding, skydiving, soccer, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting or wrestling, it is recommended by the American Dental Association that you wear a mouthguard.

COMMON DENTAL INJURIES IN SPORTS INCLUDE:

Tooth Knocked Out:

• Time is the most important factor when trying to save a tooth, so get to your dentist as soon as possible. In general, there is a 30-minute window of opportunity to re-implant the tooth in the socket.
• Do not try to re-implant the tooth yourself.
• The best liquid to transport tooth in is cold milk. If milk is not available, use saliva (if possible), saline, or water if nothing else is available.
• Don’t let the tooth dry out and don’t wrap it in anything.
• Don’t touch the tooth root if you can avoid it.
• Primary teeth, often called “baby-teeth,” are generally not re-implanted.

Tooth Chipped/Cracked:

• Save the fractured portion of your tooth if you can locate it, and store it in saliva or milk until you’re able to reach our office. Your dentist may be able to save the tooth by bonding the fractured portion back on to your tooth.
• Your dentist will likely use an X-ray of the tooth to determine the treatment necessary based on the severity of the injury.
• For a serious chip that exposes the pulp of the tooth, get to your dentist as soon as possible.
• If a tooth is chipped or cracked, sometimes the tooth can be fixed with just a filling or bonding alone.
• Sometimes, a tooth is cracked or chipped in a way that the nerve of the tooth is affected, and a more complicated treatment may be needed.

Tooth Displaced:

• If a tooth is moved due to trauma, contact our office as soon as possible.
• Do not try to move the tooth back on your own.
• For any mouth discomfort before you get to the dentist, apply ice.

PREVENTING INJURY

One of the best and most convenient ways to prevent injury to your teeth and mouth while playing sports is to wear a mouthguard. There are several types of mouthguards to choose from, and we can help you choose the best one for your particular needs.

TYPES OF MOUTHGUARDS

Choosing the right mouthguard is important. There are three basic types of mouthguards: the pre-made mouthguard, the “boil-and-bite” fitted mouthguard, and a custom-made mouthguard. When you choose a mouthguard, be sure to pick one that is tear-resistant, well fitted for your mouth and easy to keep clean. Also make sure it does not prevent you from breathing properly during use. If you wear braces or a retainer, it is imperative for you to wear a mouthguard. Dr Willis can show you how to wear a mouthguard properly and how to choose the right mouthguard to protect your smile.