Summer brings a full sports season and extra time outdoors! You don't want to miss a minute of it, but how can you protect your smile and oral health without interfering with your game time performance? Here's what you should know.
Oral Protection During Sports Season
Did you know that sports-related injuries are responsible for nearly 40 percent of dental emergencies? It's true!
The good news is that there are excellent ways to protect your smile while still enjoying all the activities summer has to offer.
Here are some tips:
- Get a custom mouthguard — Protecting your teeth from injury is the first place to start. A custom mouthguard fits snugly against your teeth so there's no movement or slippage during game time.
- Keep your mouthguard clean — Rinse your mouthguard after each use and clean it periodically with a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to prevent bacteria from developing.
- Stay hydrated — Drinking plenty of water during the summer helps your body and mouth stay hydrated. It's extra important if you're competing or playing sports during the heat of the day.
- Avoid sugary snacks — Keep your snacks healthy, think fruits and veggies, and avoid beverages that are loaded with sugar, like sports drinks. Sugar fuels the bacteria that cause tooth decay and may make you more susceptible to developing cavities.
Contact North Idaho Dental Group
If a dental emergency should arise, as they sometimes do, don't hesitate to contact your Ponderay emergency dentist at (208) 667-8282. With two convenient locations in Ponderay and Coeur d’Alene, we are the team that patients trust for dental emergencies. We make every effort to see you as soon as possible and provide same-day treatment whenever we can.
Don't wait to contact us during a tooth emergency. We'll get you back out and enjoying everything summer has to offer in no time.