mouthguards

Tips for Sports-Related Dental Emergencies

October 8th, 2021

Sports are a great way for children and teens to exercise, learn the value of teamwork, and have fun.  Many of our patients play sports while in orthodontic treatment. Dr. Barden recommends that patients always wear a properly fitting mouthguard when playing sports, whether it’s for fun, during practice, or during competition.  Learn more about the importance of mouthguards when playing sports.

If a sports-related dental emergency occurs, here are some helpful tips provided by the American Dental Association.

Knocked out tooth. If the tooth is dirty, hold the tooth by the top (crown) and rinse gently.  If possible, you can try to insert the tooth back into the socket. Otherwise put the tooth in a container with milk. Contact your dentist immediately for an emergency visit.

Cracked or broken tooth.  Rinse your mouth with warm water and put a cold pack on the face to minimize swelling.  Save the broken part of the tooth in a wet cloth. Contact your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment.

Jaw possibly broken.  Apply a cold ice pack on the face to minimize swelling and contact your dentist or go to the emergency room immediately.

Bitten tongue or lip.  Clean the area gently and use cold packs on the area to minimize swelling. Contact your dentist or go to the emergency room if there is heavy bleeding that does not stop after a short period of time.

Mouthguards can prevent or minimize many sports-related injuries. Ask Dr. Doug Barden or his staff if you have any questions or need a mouthguard that works with braces. Check out more emergency care tips on our website.

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Sports and Teeth

April 2nd, 2021

Patients often ask if they can still play sports while in orthodontic treatment. The answer is YES!  Many of our patients (children, teens, and adults) are active with sports.

Dr. Barden recommends that everyone always protect their smile with a properly fitted mouthguard when playing sports and there is the potential for injury to your mouth or jaw. This is true even if you are not in orthodontic treatment.

When should you wear a mouthguard?

  • Mouthguards should be used when playing any contact sport such as football, hockey, baseball, softball, wrestling, field hockey, boxing, martial arts, rugby, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse.
  • Mouth guards can also be helpful for non-contact sports such as gymnastics or skateboarding where falls and accidents can cause mouth and jaw injuries.
  • Wear the mouthguard for practices as well as games.

Mouthguard tips:

  • Mouthguards should have enough flex that they won’t break or tear.
  • Mouthguards should fit properly and be comfortable.
  • Mouthguards should not impair speech or breathing.
  • Custom made mouthguards often work the best and are the most comfortable. See your dentist if you need a custom fit mouthguard.
  • If you have braces you will need a mouthguard that fits with braces. See Dr. Barden if you need one.
  • Don’t wear orthodontic appliances, such as retainers, when wearing a mouthguard.
  • Rinse the mouthguard in cool, soapy water after each use.
  • Store the mouthguard in a hard case and away from the sun or in the heat. Sun and heat may melt or distort mouthguards.
  • Children and teens may need new mouthguards as they grow to ensure proper fit.

Sport-related dental injuries can be painful and expensive.  A quality mouth guard is a good investment to protect your smile.  Ask Dr. Barden if you have any questions about mouthguards and protecting your smile while in orthodontic treatment.

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