Did you know that between 20 and 25 million children and teens are involved in competitive sports? While participation comes with numerous benefits (like learning how to work with a team and getting physical exercise), it also can result in unintentional injuries. In fact, more than 5 million teeth are knocked out annually, mostly as a result of a sports-related accident. That’s why wearing a sportsguard is so important! To learn when you should wear yours (and where to get one), keep reading.
10 Sports You Should Wear a Sportsguard For
Despite popular belief, you should wear a sportsguard during contact and non-contact sports alike. A few that make the American Dental Association’s list include:
- Football
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Gymnastics
- Handball
- Ice hockey
- Martial arts
- Rugby
- Wrestling
- Skiing
Of course, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist even if the sport you participate in isn’t on this list. From there, they can determine if a sportsguard is necessary to protect your smile from any damage.
Store-Bought vs. Custom Mouthguards: Which Is Better?
Out of sheer convenience, you may think of opting for a store-bought sportsguard. Unfortunately, the one-size-fits-all nature makes them less effective. In some cases, they are even a choking hazard! So, it’s best to talk to your dentist about having a custom one made. Depending on the sport you participate in (like tennis vs. boxing), they will design one that helps protect your teeth from being knocked out, cracked, or otherwise damaged. The real key is to get into the habit of wearing it each and every time, even during practice! After all, reports show that athletes are 60x more likely to experience a dental injury without a sportsguard.
What to Do If You Do Experience a Dental Injury
If you do experience a dental injury, do your absolute best not to panic. Instead, take a few deep breaths and do your best to assess the damage. If you’ve knocked out a tooth, lost a restoration, or experienced another “straightforward” dental emergency, then priority number one is to reach out to your dentist. If, on the other hand, you’re struggling to breathe, can’t control the bleeding, or are experiencing another potentially life-threatening condition alongside your dental injury, then you should call 911 or head to your nearest ER to get medical attention.
Wearing a sportsguard may seem inconvenient. However, this small tool can play a large role in protecting your smile from damage! So, don’t forget to wear it each and every time.
About the Practice
Leading our team at Pinnacle Dental is Dr. James Zonghetti. With 20+ years of experience, he knows how to restore healthy, happy smiles. Even better, he’s available for same-day appointments to ensure he’s there to provide treatment when you need him most. If you want to learn more about sportsguards or you need last-minute care from our emergency dentist, then don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (781) 412-1412.