Protecting Your Teeth When You Play Rough Sports

Posted on: 5 January 2015

Rough sports can be very exciting, but they also come with the risk of getting injured. You want to be sure you wear protective gear and also be sure you do everything you can to protect your teeth. Your teeth can get knocked loose, get chipped and even get knocked out if you aren't careful. This is why you want to make sure you take the following steps to protect your teeth when you play sports:

Have an emergency kit in your bag

When you go to practices or games, you want to be sure you have an emergency kit with you at all times. This way, if something does happen, you are prepared. This kit should contain gauze, an ice pack (the kind you snap to activate) and over-the-counter pain relievers.

If you injure your tooth, you want to seek treatment right away. It's crucial that you go to the dentist before the root dies. Also, if you knock your tooth out, carefully pick it up without toughing the root, clean it off using your own spit and put it back in place. Put the gauze on the tooth and bite down to apply pressure to the tooth. Reduce swelling and pain with the cold pack and take the pain reliever.

Always wear a properly fitted mouth guard

You never want to practice or play without a properly fitted mouth guard when you're involved in a rough sport. Even during a practice you may get knocked in the mouth which may cause an injury to your teeth.

While you can purchase a mouth guard at a sporting goods store that you fit with hot water, it's better for you to go to the dentist for a mouth guard. This way, you know it's made of the best materials and that it's the right fit.

Do your best to keep your teeth strong and healthy

The stronger and healthier your teeth are, the better the chance will be that they will do better if they sustain an injury. This is why it is important for you to be sure you go to your regularly scheduled appointments so the dentist at a place like Montillo Dental Associates Braintree can spot issues before they become a serious problem. You also want to be sure you use fluoridated tooth paste and mouth wash. Eat foods known for strengthening enamel, such as foods with calcium and fiber.

Following the tips above will help you to keep your teeth in good shape and healthy, even when you play sports that increase your chances of suffering a mouth injury.

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