Protecting Your Teeth During Athletic Activities
Protecting Your Teeth During Athletic Activities
If you play a sport or spend a lot of time being active, you probably think about stretching, hydration, and avoiding injuries. Teeth usually don’t make the list, until something goes wrong, of course.
Dental injuries during sport are more common than many people realise. And it’s not just contact sports. A fall while cycling, a stray elbow during a social basketball game, or a slip at the skate park can all result in chipped, broken, or even knocked-out teeth.
Once you’ve seen how quickly it can happen, protecting your smile starts to feel just as important as protecting your knees or ankles.
Where the Risks Come from
Any activity that involves speed, movement, or the chance of impact carries some risk to your mouth. Teeth can fracture, loosen, or be knocked out entirely. The jaw can take force. Even lips, cheeks, and gums are vulnerable to cuts and bruising.
Some injuries are obvious straight away. Others aren’t. A tooth might feel fine initially, only to become sensitive or painful weeks later. That’s why it’s worth taking any knock to the mouth seriously, even if it doesn’t seem urgent at the time.
Why Mouthguards Matter More Than You Think
Wearing a mouthguard is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of dental injury. The generic ones you buy at sports stores do offer some protection, but many people stop wearing them because they feel bulky, uncomfortable, or hard to breathe with.
Custom-made mouthguards are shaped specifically for your teeth. They tend to fit better, feel more comfortable, and stay in place during activity. Because they’re easier to wear, people are more likely to actually use them, which is what makes the real difference.
They can also be tailored to suit different sports and levels of activity, whether you’re training regularly or just playing socially.
If an Accident Happens
Even with the right protection, accidents can still occur. Knowing what to do in the moment can help limit damage.
If a tooth is knocked out, keeping it moist and seeking dental care quickly can improve the chances of saving it. Milk or saliva are often recommended for short-term storage. Avoid scrubbing the tooth or touching the root.
For chips or breaks, keeping any fragments and having the tooth checked sooner rather than later is still important, even if discomfort settles.
Staying Active Without Sacrificing Your Smile
Protecting your teeth doesn’t mean giving up the activities you enjoy. Small steps, like wearing the right mouthguard, can prevent long-term issues that are far more disruptive than a little preparation upfront.
If you or your child play sports regularly, it’s worth thinking about what level of protection makes sense for your lifestyle. Staying active is great for your health, and with the right precautions, your smile can stay part of that for years to come.