How Athletes Can Protect Their Teeth in Sports
As an athlete, you know the importance of taking care of your body. You train hard to keep your body in peak condition so you can perform at your best. But did you know that taking care of your teeth is just as important for athletes? That's right! Your oral health can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. No matter what sport or skill level, athletes need to take care of their teeth. Most athletes are careful about what they eat and their workout routine. Part of that routine should also include taking care of your mouth and teeth every single day.
Here are four ways to keep your smile healthy and bright, both on and off the field:
1. Wear a Mouthguard
If you play a contact sport, it's important to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from being damaged by impact. Look for a mouthguard that fits snugly and is comfortable to wear. It should also be easy to clean so you can remove any build-up of bacteria that could lead to infection. Clean your mouthguard and container regularly.
2. Be Careful with Your Teeth
Even if you don't play a contact sport, your teeth can still be at risk for injury while participating in any type of sport. Avoid using your teeth to open packages or bite into hard objects. If you do sustain an injury to your mouth or teeth, see your dentist right away.
3. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily is important for everyone, but it's especially important for athletes. The combination of sweat, bacteria, and sugar from energy drinks can lead to cavities and other dental problems. Schedule dental cleanings every six months to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
4. Avoid Chewing on Hard Objects
Chewy gum is great for athletes because it increases saliva flow and helps reduce the risk of cavities. But chewing on hard objects like pencils or ice can damage your tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay. So, stick to chewing gum and avoid putting hard objects in your mouth.
5. Eat a Healthy Diet
What you eat has a direct impact on your oral health. Be sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water in your diet as they can help reduce the risk of cavities and other oral health problems. And limit sugary snacks as they can contribute to tooth decay. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and help wash away harmful bacteria. Eating a healthy diet benefits both your dental and overall health, and it will also help your body function at its best both on and off the field.
Conclusion
By following these simple guidelines, you can help protect your teeth from the everyday wear and tear that can lead to dental damage. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so if you have any questions about how to best protect your pearly whites, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist. Remember to wear a mouthguard when playing sports, avoid using your teeth to open packages or bite into hard objects, and brush and floss daily. Follow a healthy diet and you’ll be on your way to keeping your pearly whites shining bright! Thanks for reading!
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At Andrew Kim, DDS, we are always looking for new ways to improve the dental health of patients. Our goal has always been and will always be to create and maintain a family-oriented dental practice that empowers and equips all our patients to create healthy dental hygiene habits.
At our family-friendly Escondido dental office, we provide preventative care, cleaning, and dental procedures to help our patients be confident in both their smiles and overall health. Call us at (760) 747-5295 to book your dental appointment with us.
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Andrew Kim, DDS is an Escondido dentist providing advanced dental treatment to the Escondido communities and the Northern San Diego area. We make your comfort and oral health our top priority. Book your appointment today!