Sports Dentistry

How Do I Prevent Tooth Fractures and Chips When Playing Sports?

The doctors at White Hill Dental recommend wearing mouthguards as the most effective method to prevent dental emergencies such as cracked or chipped teeth while playing a sport. Mouthguards assist in the prevention of injury to an athlete’s teeth, mouth, cheeks, and lips by creating a protective barrier between the mouth and the force that they come in contact with. By absorbing the impact to the mouth, the mouthguard significantly reduces the amount of force placed on the jaw and teeth. The three types of mouthguards that you can typically purchase include generic, customized, or boil-and-bite. They vary in comfort, efficacy, and price; however, every type provides some level of protection during a sporting activity.

What Are Custom Mouthguards?

A custom mouthguard is specifically created by your dentist to fit your teeth while pertaining to your needs. In order to be fitted for a custom mouthguard, the dentist will take a mould of your teeth to create a highly durable and perfectly shaped mouthguard. The mouthguards then fit perfectly into your mouth thereby eliminating any discomfort or sliding.

Do I need a custom mouthguard?

If you consistently play a contact sport like boxing, field hockey, lacrosse, ice hockey, or football, custom mouthguards are highly recommended. While regular mouthguards provide some protection, custom mouthguards protect your teeth since they are specifically created for your mouth. Additionally, custom mouthguards enhance the comfort of the device, thereby enabling you to breathe easily and focus on your game. Therefore, in order to reduce your chances of having a dental emergency and having to pay for treatment, it is imperative you own a mouthguard that fits you perfectly.

What Happens if I Chip or Crack my Tooth While Playing Sports?

White Hill Dental provides services to anyone who finds themselves in a dental emergency from a sport. If an injury requires immediate attention to alleviate severe pain, save a tooth, or stop tissue bleeding, it can be considered a dental emergency. This can also include a knocked-out tooth, a painful cracked or chipped tooth, uncontrollable bleeding, a swollen jaw, or dislodged fillings/crowns. In any such cases, it is necessary you seek immediate help by calling White Hill Dental or through an online appointment.