Everyone knows you need a physical exam before the start of a sports season. Did you know you should see your local dentist before the season starts, too?
There are many ways that your local dentist can help protect your teeth and mouth while you are playing sports. Here are some ways your dentist can help you if you play sports.
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Custom Mouthguards for Athletes
Athletic mouthguards help to prevent sports-related injuries to the teeth, jaws, and mouth. It is easy to see how this is helpful if you participate in contact sports like hockey, wrestling, or football.
Mouthguards are also very important for people who participate in non-contact sports as well. The pain and cost of treating dental injuries make this small preventative measure well worth the effort.
Mouthguards should fit snuggly over the top teeth and allow for easy breathing and talking. Your local dentist can show you how they should fit properly and be comfortable, durable, and easy to clean.
Custom Mouthguards Vs Stock Mouthguards
Stock athletic mouth protectors can be purchased ready to wear. They are cheap and easy to find. The problem with them is that they don’t provide full protection and they are not comfortable to wear.
Another option is the “boil and bite” mouthguards. These are a little more comfortable because they are form-fitted. However, they still do not provide adequate protection.
While a custom mouthguard costs a little more, it is well worth it because the mouthguard is made specifically for you. An athletic mouthguard made by a dentist will give you better protection and be much easier to wear and care for.
Athletes with braces face even more difficulty when finding an appropriate mouthguard. In fact, a stock mouthguard is not an option for athletes with braces because the guard itself could damage the braces. If you play sports and wear braces, you will need your local dentist to provide you with a custom mouthguard.
![Image of young boy football player putting in a mouth guard that his local dentist gave him.](https://belladentaloxnard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/mouth_guard_2-2-1024x576.jpg)
Regular Dental Care for Athletes
Just like everyone else, athletes need good regular dental care. This includes things like teeth cleaning, checkups, and preventative care. For athletes, this is very important because teeth that are already cracked, chipped, or in a weakened state can be damaged much easier than strong healthy teeth.
If you have cracked or chipped teeth, contact your local dentist in Oxnard, California to have them repaired before you begin playing. This way, you will have a less likely chance of sustaining a broken tooth while playing.
Emergency Local Dentist for Athletes
When it comes to playing sports, accidents can and will happen. They can happen no matter how healthy your teeth are or how hard you try to protect them.
If you sustain an injury to your mouth or teeth during a game, practice, or other sporting activity you will need to get help right away. Letting these types of injuries linger will only cause you to have even more damage. Call an emergency dentist as soon as the injury occurs.
Local Dentist Care & Athletes
You know as an athlete that you must take care of your body. You understand the importance of medical care for sports-related injuries. Treat your teeth the same way you treat the rest of your body and you will have good dental health for life.