Sports and oral health issues have long been linked at both the amateur and professional level. As a provider of family dental services in Marietta, we are used to treating dental trauma caused by accidents in many sports. From football and basketball to hockey or boxing, almost all sports carry an element of risk that must be managed. And with physical activity’s many benefits for the body and mind, integrating oral care with sports is a must.
A study published by the National Library of Medicine looked at the oral hygiene of Olympic athletes. A surprising 55% of participants had tooth decay, and nearly half had not attended a dental examination in the previous year. But regardless of your age or the level at which you compete, practicing good oral hygiene is critical if you want to maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout your life.
How to Protect Your Teeth While Playing Sports
Many families love to get their children connected to playing sports. There’s no wonder why!
- Sports allow your children to get active and exercise while having fun.
- They are able to spend time with their friends and learn how to play and interact with other peers.
- Sports help children learn communication skills, commitment, and discipline.
Whether your child is working on their jump shot or if they’re perfecting their kick to strike and score past a goalie, it’s important to include dental health in the conversation surrounding sports.
Play Defense With Dental Health in Sports
Before you get ready for a season of sports, you are more than likely scoping out some new shoes, getting the uniform just right, and stocking up on snacks to keep your athlete going. All of those things are crucial in preparing for the games and competition to come.
There are also dental preparations you can take to ensure your kid has a safe experience while playing. As they say, sometimes the best offense is a good defense.
At Shining Smiles Family Dentistry, we believe that prevention and thinking ahead can save a lot of hurt and headaches in the future.
Tips to Get Ready for the Sports Season Ahead
- Get to know the sport. Is your child playing basketball? Baseball? Swimming? Each sport requires different equipment. Talk to your child’s coach. Do they need a helmet? A helmet will certainly help shield your child’s mouth during play. Do they need a mouthguard? A mouthguard will give them an extra layer of protection between their teeth and gums and anything that the game throws their way.
- Stay current with a dental check-up. Routine dental checkups that include routine dental cleanings, digital x-rays, as well as an ongoing observation of the growth and development of your child’s mouth, will help your dentist have a better understanding and frame of reference of your child’s oral health before any type of dental injury could occur. It will be important for them to draw on the child’s dental history to see if there are any concerns to be discussed. Building that rapport with your Shining Smiles dentist will also support your family as a whole knowing you have a good oral care specialist on your team.
- Healthy snacks & hydration. Your child is going to be expending a lot of energy not just at games, but at all of the practices, too. Keep your kid fueled with snacks and drinks that benefit their oral health at the same time. You can never go wrong with water. Water will not only hydrate your child, but limiting sugary energy drinks will also protect your kid’s teeth in the process. Consider apples, carrots, and other healthy options that will promote overall health for their bodies and their teeth.
- Brush & floss every day. Life can get busy when you’re navigating school and sports, but healthy, daily habits do not have to suffer. Get your kid in the routine of brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Extra points if they do so after each meal. Include a toothpaste that has fluoride so your child can have that extra protection for their teeth.
Expert Dental Care for Accidents and Sports Injuries
Accidents happen in life. Sometimes a ball can hit our mouths at exactly the right spot and can cause a tooth to break, gums to be compromised, or lose a tooth altogether. When you need us, we’ll be here. At Shining Smiles Family Dentistry in Marietta, GA, we are committed to caring for and serving your family in the good times and in the bad. Never hesitate to contact us if your child has experienced a dental injury due to sports.
Protect Your Teeth Playing Sports With Family Dentistry in Marietta
Shining Smiles Family Dentistry helps adults and children who participate in sports care for their teeth. From our routine oral exams and dental cleanings to fixing cracked or lost teeth, we offer skilled, compassionate treatment. For assistance with family, restorative or cosmetic dentistry, visit our Marietta dental office. Call (770) 420-8550 or request an appointment today.
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