Schoolβs out and youβve emptied your gym locker until next fall. But while youβre stowing away the football gear, the basketball warm-ups, the field hockey sticks, and all the other equipment youβve collected over the school year (thatβs where that other shoe went!), be sure to keep one item handy: your mouthguard.
Team and contact sports like football, basketball, and wrestling arenβt the only potential dental dangers. In fact, almost any sport or activity can be made safer when you use your mouthguard. Β While youβre keeping active and fit in the summer months, remember to look out for your smile.
Sports on wheels
Biking, skate boarding, rollerbladingβit only takes one fall to make you realize that roads, sidewalks, and concrete are not ideal landing pads. If you do take a spill, using a mouthguard, along with your helmet, will help protect your teeth and jaw.
Court sports
Handball and tennis are not what we consider contact sports, but an unexpected bounce from a ball, or a completely unexpected backhand from your partner, can lead to dental injuries. Ace your workout and wear a mouthguard.
Water sports
A fall in the water can lead to a collision with your surfboard or water skis, and water polo often seems to be a game of stamina, accuracy and elbows. Wear your mouthguard on landΒ andΒ sea, and help reduce your chance of dental injury.
Team sports
Anyone who has played summer league baseball, softball or soccer knows that occasional contact with other players is pretty much a given. Cushioning your head, mouth, and teeth with a mouthguard will not only protect you, but keep you in the gameβand your teammates will appreciate that!
If you already use a mouthguard, keep up the good work! If you donβt, talk to the doctor about the importance of protecting your smile with a mouthguard. There are ready-made options available at drug stores and sporting goods shops. These will provide protection to your mouth and teeth, but can sometimes be bulky and uncomfortable and should never be used with braces. If you would like a mouth protector that provides the best fit and comfort, or if you wear braces, we can customize a mouthguard in our oceanside dentistry that will be a perfect fit for your teeth and bite.
Whatever activity you choose, play it smart! Donβt gear up without your mouthguard, and youβll greet next yearβs classes energized, fit, and sporting a beautiful smile!