Participating in sports is an excellent way to stay active, healthy, and socially engaged. But whether you’re playing competitively or recreationally, one thing many athletes overlook is dental safety. Tooth injuries are common in sportsfrom chipped teeth to knocked-out molarsand they can lead to long-term complications if not prevented properly. At McLevin Dental Clinic, we want every athlete to stay active without risking their smile. Here’s how to protect your teeth while playing sports.
Why Dental Protection Matters in Sports
From high-contact games like hockey and football to lower-contact sports like basketball and soccer, any physical activity that involves movement and impact carries a risk of dental injury. Teeth can be chipped, broken, or completely dislodged. The jaw, tongue, and soft tissues inside the mouth are also at risk of injury.
Without proper protection, athletes may face not only pain and dental trauma but also expensive and time-consuming treatments. Thats why prevention is key.
The Role of Mouthguards in Protecting Teeth
The most effective and widely recommended dental protection for athletes is the use of a custom-fitted sports mouthguard. A quality mouthguard cushions your teeth from impact, stabilizes the jaw, and reduces the risk of soft tissue injuries. Athletes who wear mouthguards are significantly less likely to experience broken or knocked-out teeth.
At McLevin Dental Clinic, we recommend custom mouthguards over store-bought varieties. Unlike generic versions, custom-fit guards offer a more secure and comfortable fit, allowing athletes to breathe and speak more easily during play.
Key Benefits of Wearing a Mouthguard:
Reduces risk of chipped or broken teeth
Prevents jaw fractures and soft tissue cuts
Helps avoid concussion by absorbing impact
Protects braces and orthodontic appliances
Sports with Higher Dental Injury Risk
While all athletes benefit from mouth protection, some sports present higher risks for dental injuries. These include:
Ice hockey
Football
Rugby
Martial arts
Boxing
Basketball
Lacrosse
Skateboarding and BMX
If you’re participating in any of these sportsor if your child is active in school sportsinvesting in a mouthguard is a smart and necessary step toward preventing tooth damage.
Braces and Dental Appliances: Extra Care Needed
Athletes who wear braces, retainers, or other dental appliances are at increased risk of injury. Not only can the mouthguard help protect the teeth, but it also shields the braces themselves from damage. Custom-fitted mouthguards are especially crucial here, as they are designed to accommodate orthodontic hardware without causing discomfort.
Tips for Preventing Sports-Related Dental Injuries
Always Wear a Mouthguard: Dont skip the mouthguard, even during practice. Many dental injuries happen during informal games or training sessions.
Choose the Right Fit: A poorly fitting mouthguard can be ineffective or even dangerous. Visit McLevin Dental Clinic for a personalized fitting.
Replace Worn-Out Mouthguards: Over time, mouthguards lose their shape and cushioning ability. Replace yours every sports season or at the first sign of wear.
Store It Properly: Keep your mouthguard clean and dry when not in use. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or in your gym bag unprotected.
Keep Up with Routine Dental Care: Regular check-ups at our clinic can identify and resolve any dental issues before they become problems on the field.
Stay Hydrated and Avoid Sugary Sports Drinks: Athletes often consume high-sugar drinks, which can lead to tooth decay. Water is always the best choice for oral health.
Use a Helmet When Necessary: Some sports require helmets or face shields that can offer additional protection to your mouth and jaw.
Dealing with a Dental Emergency During Sports
Even with the best prevention strategies, accidents can still happen. Heres what to do in case of a sports-related dental injury:
Chipped or broken tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. Save any tooth fragments and visit McLevin Dental Clinic immediately.
Knocked-out tooth: Try to place the tooth back into the socket or store it in milk or saliva. Seek emergency dental care within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Jaw injury or bleeding: Apply pressure to the area and visit an emergency dentist or hospital if the injury is severe.
Prompt dental treatment can often prevent long-term damage and restore the tooth.
Custom Sports Mouthguards at McLevin Dental Clinic
At McLevin Dental Clinic, we offer custom sports mouthguards designed specifically for your unique bite and athletic needs. These mouthguards are more comfortable and protective than over-the-counter options and are especially beneficial for athletes with braces or existing dental work.
We use safe, high-quality materials and precision molding techniques to ensure a snug fit. Most importantly, we guide athletes on how to use, clean, and store their mouthguards for maximum benefit.
Final Thoughts
If youre an athlete, or if your child plays sports, protecting your teeth should be as much a part of your game plan as warming up and wearing proper gear. A single sports injury to the mouth can lead to years of dental treatment and significant costs. With a custom-fitted sports mouthguard and a proactive approach to dental care, you can focus on your gamenot dental emergencies.
Book a consultation at McLevin Dental Clinic today to get fitted for a mouthguard and ensure your oral health stays in peak condition both on and off the field.