Why You Should Wear a Mouthguard for Fall Sports

Are you ready to get in the game this fall? If so, don’t forget to bring your mouthguard. Wearing a mouthguard while playing sports such as football and lacrosse can help keep your mouth safe from oral injuries. Not only is a mouthguard important for protecting your teeth, but it’s also been proven to reduce the risk of a concussion. Investing in a good quality mouthguard this fall season is an easy way to ensure that you’re doing all you can do to stay safe while enjoying the thrill of sports.

Common Sports Injuries to the Mouth

3 of the top dental injuries that happen when playing sports are:

1. Cracked Teeth

When an athlete takes a blow to the face, it could result in a cracked or fractured tooth.

With a cracked tooth, you might experience such symptoms as:

• Sharp pain when you bite down.
• Tooth pain that comes and goes but isn’t always present.
• Pain while eating and drinking, especially when you consume hot or cold foods.
• The loss of a section of the tooth’s outer enamel shell can expose the subsequent layers of your tooth.

Because a cracked tooth isn’t always visible to the naked eye, you might have one and not experience any pain. Only during your next dental checkup will the damage be discovered. (Another reason regular dentist visits are essential.)

2. Fractured Roots

If an athlete receives a blow at a certain angle, it might cause a fractured root. Instead of a crack starting at the top of the chewing surface and moving to the root, a fractured root begins at the root level and works its way to the tooth’s visible surface.

Because these fractures are often invisible, you might only discover the problem when an infection develops. The severity of this type of tooth injury depends on the location of the fracture along the root.

The sooner a patient with a root fracture receives root canal therapy (also known as endodontic treatment) to prevent infection in the pulp, the less likely they are to experience necrosis that leads to tooth loss.

3. Tooth Intrusion

Sports injuries are usually associated with teeth getting knocked out, but some injuries can drive teeth back into the jawbone.

This type of trauma is called an intrusion. It’s more common in “baby teeth” because a child’s alveolar bones – which hold the tooth sockets – are not as hard as an adult’s. However, it can happen to athletes of all ages, and tooth trauma healing time can put you out of action for a long time.

Why You Should Wear a Mouthguard for Fall Sports

Protect your teeth

The most common injury one can sustain during sports is dental or oral trauma. This is why it’s important to wear a mouthguard that will protect your teeth from chipping, cracking, and getting knocked out during falls or collisions. By wearing a mouthguard, you’ll decrease your chances of having dental trauma and avoid costly dental procedures to repair your teeth.

Prevent concussions and brain injuries

Did you know that wearing a mouthguard can help prevent concussions and brain injuries? A properly fitting mouthguard can absorb the shock of impacts and reduce the risk of head injury by cushioning the jaw and skull. This can be of utmost importance for fall sports that involve a lot of impact like football, rugby, and hockey.

Improve breathing and athletic performance

Wearing a mouthguard can also help improve your breathing and athletic performance. A properly fitting mouthguard can keep the airway open and allow for easier breathing during high-intensity activities. This means that you can perform better and for longer periods of time, ultimately making you a better sportsperson.

Preserve your braces

If you’re someone who wears braces, a mouthguard can be especially important. Sports that involve impact can cause significant damage to braces, leading to costly repairs and treatment delays. By wearing a mouthguard, you’ll provide an extra layer of protection for your braces and avoid unwanted setbacks in your orthodontic treatment.

Wearing a mouthguard for fall sports can prevent oral injuries, concussions, and improve athletic performance. It’s a simple and effective way to ensure your safety while playing sports. If you’re unsure about the type of mouthguard to wear or how to get a properly fitting one, schedule an appointment with your dentist. A well-fitting mouthguard is a small investment that can go a long way in protecting your dental and overall health.

Get a Mouthguard this Fall with Glacier Creek Dental

If you’re looking to get a mouthguard for the upcoming fall sports season, Glacier Creek Dental is here to help. We offer custom-fitted mouthguards that will provide the best protection for your teeth and jaw while you play any sport. Contact us today to make an appointment!