You’re getting ready to take the field or the ice for the big game, and it’s time to go through your equipment checklist. Uniform, helmet, shin guards, knee pads, gloves. You’re all set for the opening whistle, right?
Wait, what about your teeth, those thirty-two precious entities that define how you look, eat, digest, and feel? The ones that always seem to attract that errant puck, ball or opponent’s elbow? The dentists at the office of Cherry Hill Dental Excellence remind our sports-minded patients of any age that making a mouthguard part of their standard equipment is an important step toward avoiding a surgical procedure that could keep them on the sidelines for weeks. The best option is to have a custom-made mouthguard fitted for you by one of our specially trained dentists.
Mouthguards, or mouth protectors, cushion blows to the face and decrease the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue, cheek lining, face or jaw. They are especially important for athletes with braces or other fixed dental appliances. Studies show that athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to injure their teeth. And while contact sports like boxing, football, and hockey are more often associated with injuries to the mouth, activities like skating and gymnastics are not risk free.
Equipment isn’t the only thing athletes need to keep in mind when it comes to protecting their teeth. So-called sports drinks can be loaded with sugar, which weakens the hard outer shell of your teeth and increases the risk of developing cavities.
Optimal oral health — including regular dental checkups, and a robust daily brushing and flossing routine — is an important part of your overall fitness. The dentists at the office of Cherry Hill Dental Excellence want to ensure that you protect that game-winning smile, so call us today to schedule an appointment.
