Sports cause over 5 million knocked-out teeth a year. And it’s not just common in contact sports; it can happen in sports that aren’t commonly thought of as contact sports, like cycling or basketball! Mouth guards are the best way to protect all areas of the mouth, including teeth, tongue, gums, lips, and cheeks.
Athletes not wearing mouth guards are injured at a rate of 60 times over those who do wear a mouth guard
If you play a contact sport, we recommend wearing a mouth guard at all times.
There are a few different types of mouth guards:
Stock mouth guards: these are inexpensive and pre-formed found at sports retailers. They do not fit very well and make breathing and talking difficult during sports.
“Boil and bite” mouth guards: you can also purchase a “boil and bite” mouth guard at sporting goods stores. You simply boil the mouth guard to make it pliable, then bite down on it so it forms to the mouth. It is a less expensive option but does not protect as well as a custom mouth guard.
Custom mouth guards: Dental Associates can make a custom mouth guard right in our clinic. This creates the most secure and form-fitting mouth guard which will protect teeth the best. It is also the most comfortable mouth guard option since it is created just for your mouth. Ask your dentist at your next visit.
SPECIAL MENTION FOR ACTIVE KIDS!
Can a Knocked-Out Tooth Be Reinserted?
Loosing a tooth can be very disheartening for a child. It lowers their confidence and exposes them to bullying and name calling among their peers.
Implants and bridges are not always indicated in children.
But need not worry because a dentist can now insert a knocked-out tooth back in the mouth. The procedure however needs some precautions like the maintaining clean tooth, storing it in a suitable media (coconut water is a best storage media) and going to a dentist immediately (preferably within an HOUR of the accident)
So the moral of the story being :
Sports mouth injuries can happen at any time, so prepare for the unexpected; wear a mouth guard and protect those teeth!
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