Mouthguards are critical to the safety of your mouth and your teeth when you play sports. Mouthguards for teeth grinding and mouthguards for sports are custom made here at Coastal Dental Care because we believe that your teeth deserve only the highest level of protection. If you or your child has ever played contact sports, then you know that sports mouthguards are absolutely essential for keeping the teeth protected. However, many athletes still suffer dental trauma while wearing mouthguards because their mouthguards don’t fit correctly or, they have become worn over time. This is why we always recommend custom-made mouthguards, regular dental check-ups and where you can be assessed for a replacement. Avoid dental emergencies and always protect yourself when playing sports, to avoid things like cracked teeth, tooth extraction or full-face orthodontics.
The Types of Injuries That Happen While Playing Sports
The types of dental injuries that can occur from playing sports are as follows:
- Fracture: This includes a root fracture, a broken tooth or a chipped tooth. It is recommended that you stabilise the remaining tooth by biting down on something (a towel) and controlling the bleeding. The best methods of transport for the tooth are in a salt solution, in milk, in saline-soaked gauze, or under the athlete’s tongue. Visit the dentist immediately.
- Avulsion: This is when the entire tooth, including the root, is knocked out. Only handle the tooth by the crown and do not brush or sterilize the tooth. If possible, place back in the socket and gently bite down on a towel. Visit the dentist immediately.
- Luxation: This is when the tooth remains in the socket, but it is knocked out of position. It is an extruded tooth when it appears longer than the surrounding teeth and lateral displacement when the tooth is pushed back or pulled forward. Your Dentist may be able to reposition the tooth.
Mouthguards for Teeth Grinding & Sports Players
You might be surprised to learn that you only need a mouthguard for the top teeth. An exception to this rule is if you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower teeth. It is also important to consider the fact that mouthguards need to be replaced about once every six months, to properly support and protect your teeth while playing contact sports. They also need to be washed thoroughly, to avoid any bacteria growth. To learn more about mouthguards for teeth grinding or mouthguards for sports, feel free to contact our team online or by telephone today.
How Mouthguards can Save Your Teeth
Having a fitted mouthguard for sport is extremely important in protecting your teeth. It’s no secret that Australians love their sports and as a result of the rise in contact sports popularity, sports-related dental injuries are also on the increase. Contact sports are the most common cause of oral trauma and the likelihood of a sports-related injury dramatically increases when you’re not wearing a sports mouthguard. Wearing a helmet for cycling or shin pads for soccer is the same as wearing a mouthguard and here at Coastal Dental Care, we always recommend custom-fit mouthguards. Experiencing direct contact without a mouthguard can result in serious and long-term damages to your teeth, gums and jaw, which may require emergency treatment. Dental trauma from sports injuries can include:
- Tooth Loss
- Tooth Fracture
- Broken Jaw
- Lacerated Gums
- Concussions
To learn more about sports mouthguards or full face orthodontics from Coastal Dental Care, book an appointment online today or visit one of our practices: Banora Point, Burleigh Waters, Cabarita Beach, Kingscliff, Mermaid Beach, Mudgeeraba, Redland Bay, Robina Town, Robina Village, Runaway Bay or Tugun.
