Preventing Dental Injuries During Family Sports and Activities

In Reno, Nevada, playing sports and games with your family is a popular choice for spending a holiday. However, there is always the risk of dental injuries. Whether it is a child playing soccer or an adult joining a basketball game, accidents can happen. Knocked-out teeth, fractures, and other dental emergencies are common. This is why being proactive is important. 

One of the best ways to protect your teeth is by using mouthguards. Studies show that people who play contact sports without mouthguards are up to 60 times more likely to suffer from injuries. Therefore, having a properly fitted and durable mouthguard can absorb the force of the impact and keep your teeth safe during activities. 

If you are planning a game day, make sure to visit your family dentistry reno first to get the proper protective equipment. In case you or your loved one is already injured, visit your dentist immediately. Leaving dental injuries unattended can cause pain and affect other aspects of your life. 

What can go wrong?

If you are into sports, you may have seen your friends getting their teeth knocked out or chipped. These dental injuries commonly occur in sports and are very painful. While playing sports like basketball or football, you are moving at high speed, which results in harsh impact.

This sudden impact can be dangerous and result in your mouth injury. Many children and young athletes often sustain this injury in sports activities where physical contact is common. Impact and collisions are unavoidable in sports such as basketball or football. Players may also sustain a dental injury in the event of a fall. 

This can be more dangerous and even result in a fractured mouth or jawbone. Therefore, players who are involved in fast sports are highly advised to wear mouthguards. This protective layer can reduce the impact during a collision or fall and keep your teeth in place.

Get your best defense– mouthguards!

Mouthguards not only protect your teeth from injuries but also protect your gums, jaws, and soft tissues in the mouth. These are particularly important for young athletes as dental injuries can affect their developing smile and lower their confidence. Mouth and head injuries are common in sports. 

Therefore, wearing a helmet in addition to mouthguards can reduce the likelihood of injuries and protect your smile. There are three types of mouthguards available, and they come in different sizes, fittings, and colors. The three types of mouthguards include stock, boiled fit, and custom mouthguards. 

  • Stock mouthguards are premade; however, they fit poorly in your mouth. 
  • Boiled-fit mouthguards can be molded according to the shape of your teeth; however, they are not as comfortable as custom mouthguards. 
  • Lastly, custom-fitted mouthguards are created by dentists, making them an ideal choice for sports players. These mouthguards fit you perfectly and provide the best protection.

Safety tips for family sports 

Everyone in your family, if involved in any sports activity, must wear mouthguards and other protective gear such as gloves and helmets for safety. This keeps everyone safe during family sports and activities. 

Encourage your family to do a little warm-up before their game. It helps in the stretching of muscles and improves flexibility, which reduces the likelihood of straining or cramps during physical activity.

Staying hydrated is also important, as your body loses a significant amount of water while playing sports. Encourage everyone to drink an adequate amount of water before participating in any family sports or activities. If your kids are in sports, make sure to continuously monitor them while they skateboard or participate in other athletic activities. 

Don’t let dental injuries ruin your family fun!

Planning a fun day with your kids can be rewarding. However, all the fun can soon be stolen by one bad accident. Visit your dentist in Reno today to get mouthguards!