With fall rapidly approaching, are you or your child gearing up for a season of sports? Of all the fall sports in America, none is more popular than football. With cooler weather, amazing athletics, comradery, and concessions on the sideline as you watch, what’s not to like? This rough and tumble sport is the activity of choice for many during the fall, but it does come with its fair share of injuries. That’s why it’s important to know the 3 best ways to protect smiles during this season from your emergency dentist in Columbia.
#1. Wear a Mouthguard
An athlete is automatically 60 times more likely to experience a dental injury when they aren’t wearing a mouthguard compared to when they are. A sports mouthguard is probably the most important accessory you can buy for you or your child this fall. They fit around teeth to keep them protected and reduce the chance of concussion when head trauma occurs. Additionally, mouthguards lower the risk of serious head and jaw injuries because of the way they help absorb physical hits.
While any mouthguard is better than none at all, a custom sportsguard from your dentist in Columbia will not only be more comfortable to wear, but it will also be more effective and longer lasting. They do tend to come with a higher price tag for these reasons, but the protection of your smile is always worth investing in. In fact, mouthguards are much wallet-friendly than repairing a tooth.
#2. See Your Dentist
Another significant way to ensure oral health this fall is to maintain routine appointments with your dentist. A regular checkup and cleaning is a great way to remove plaque and bacteria that couldn’t be reached at home, but it also gives your dentist an opportunity to detect and treat any dental issues while they’re still small. This protects smiles for any upcoming sports because weakened, decayed, or infected teeth are much more likely to become chipped, cracked, broken, or lost during physical activity.
#3. Drink Water
Water is the best beverage because it not only hydrates athletes, but it can also keep teeth healthy and decrease risk of dental emergency. Most tap water contains fluoride, which is a naturally occurring mineral that fights cavities and decay by strengthening enamel. On the other hand, sugary and acidic sports beverages can actually weaken enamel, which is another reason to reach for water as a thirst quencher!
Are you ready to score this fall while also protecting your teeth? Use these tips for a healthy and happy smile during the upcoming season.
About the Practice
At Beck Dental Care, we have a team of 4 experienced dentists who are ready to treat your dental needs! We can custom-make mouthguards to provide your smile with the quality protection you deserve. For any questions, we can be reached through our website or by phone at (931) 388-8452.