Tag: dental care

Essential Tips to Protect Your Teeth from Sports Injuries

Playing sports is a great way to stay active, but it can also put your teeth at risk. Contact sports like football and hockey increase the chance of sports-related dental injuries, but even non-contact activities can lead to chipped or knocked-out teeth if you’re not careful. Fortunately, with the right protective gear and dental care, you can reduce the risk of dental injuries and keep your smile safe while competing.

The Importance of Wearing a Mouthguard

One of the best ways to protect your teeth during sports is by wearing a mouthguard. A mouthguard acts as a cushion, absorbing the impact from falls, collisions, or flying equipment.

 

There are three main types of mouthguards:

 

  1. Stock Mouthguards: These are pre-formed and ready to wear but may not fit securely.
  2. Boil-and-bite Mouthguards: These are softened in hot water and then molded to fit your teeth.
  3. Custom-fitted Mouthguards: Made by a dentist, these offer the best fit, comfort, and protection.

 

A custom-fitted mouthguard provides superior protection because it is designed specifically for your mouth. This ensures a snug fit, making it easier to breathe and speak while playing.

How a Mouthguard Reduces the Risk of Dental Injuries

A well-fitted mouthguard reduces the risk of serious dental trauma, such as:

 

  • Chipped or Broken Teeth – A mouthguard softens blows to the face, which could cause fractures.
  • Knocked-out Teeth – Protects teeth from being completely dislodged during impact.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries – Prevents cuts and bruises to the lips, tongue, and cheeks.

 

Athletes of all ages should wear a mouthguard during contact sports like football and hockey, but also for basketball, soccer, gymnastics, and any activity where a fall or collision could occur.

Additional Ways to Protect Your Teeth During Sports

Aside from wearing a mouthguard, here are other ways to practice dental safety while playing sports:

 

  1. Wear a Helmet – This can protect your jaw and prevent injuries to your teeth.
  2. Avoid Chewing on Hard Objects – Biting on sports equipment, pens, or ice can weaken teeth.
  3. Keep Up with Regular Dental Care – A regular dental check can help identify any weak spots in your teeth that may be more prone to injury.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Even with precautions, dental emergencies can still happen.

 

If you experience a chipped or knocked-out tooth, follow these steps:

 

  • Rinse it Gently – If a tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown and rinse it with water (do not scrub).
  • Keep the Tooth Moist – If possible, place it back in the socket, in milk, or in a tooth preservation kit.
  • Call Your Dentist Immediately – Quick action increases the chance of saving the tooth.

Trust Smith Dentalworks for Your Dental Safety

Protecting your teeth is essential for maintaining a strong and healthy smile. Whether you need a custom-fitted mouthguard or expert care after a sports-related dental injury, Smith Dentalworks is here to help.

Schedule an appointment today to keep your smile in top shape—because your teeth deserve the best protection.

The Role of Saliva in Oral Health

Saliva might not be something you think about often, but it plays a huge role in keeping your mouth healthy. From washing away food particles to protecting tooth enamel, your saliva works around the clock to maintain a balanced oral environment. Understanding saliva’s functions can help you prevent tooth decay and gum disease, reduce bad breath, and even improve overall oral health.

What Is Saliva and How Is It Produced?

Saliva is a clear liquid made mostly of water, along with enzymes, proteins, and minerals that help protect your teeth and oral tissues. Your major salivary glands—parotid, submandibular, and sublingual—produce most of the saliva in your mouth, while smaller glands scattered throughout the oral cavity contribute a smaller amount.

 

The glands produce different types of saliva, some more watery and others thicker, to keep your mouth moist and functioning properly. Saliva production increases when you eat to help break down food and decreases when you sleep, which is why morning breath can be worse than usual.

Saliva’s Role in Preventing Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

One of saliva’s most important jobs is protecting your teeth and gums.

 

It does this by:

  • Neutralizing Acids: The foods you eat and the bacteria in your mouth create acids that can damage tooth enamel. Saliva helps wash away these acids, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
  • Washing Away Food Particles: Leftover food can contribute to plaque buildup and bad breath. Saliva naturally rinses your mouth, preventing harmful bacteria from thriving.
  • Strengthening Tooth Enamel: Minerals in saliva, like calcium and phosphate, help keep enamel strong and resilient.
  • Fighting Bacteria: Saliva contains enzymes that help control bacterial growth, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease.

Saliva and Dry Mouth: Why It Matters

When your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, it leads to dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. This condition can cause discomfort, make chewing and swallowing difficult, and increase your risk of cavities and infections. Dry mouth can result from health conditions, medications, dehydration, or damage to the salivary glands.

 

For those who struggle with dry mouth, drinking more water, chewing sugar-free gum, and using artificial saliva products can help maintain moisture in the oral cavity. If the condition persists, it’s important to discuss treatment options with a dental professional.

Saliva’s Unexpected Role in Overall Health

Beyond oral health, saliva plays a part in digestion and detecting health conditions. It contains enzymes that begin breaking down food before it reaches the stomach. Saliva testing is also used in health care to diagnose issues like hormone imbalances, infections, and some diseases.

Protect Your Oral Health with Smith Dentalworks

A healthy mouth starts with proper saliva production and good oral care habits. At Smith Dentalworks, we understand the important role saliva plays in maintaining strong teeth and gums. Whether you’re dealing with tooth decay and gum problems, dry mouth, or just want to keep your smile in top shape, we’re here to help. From preventive care to advanced cosmetic procedures, trust us to support your oral health every step of the way.

Schedule an appointment today and keep your smile healthy for years to come.