Sports-related injuries account for 40% of all dental injuries in the United States, did you know that? Unfortunately, a lot of sports may result in teeth breaking or being knocked out of the mouth completely. Thankfully, you can protect your smile without having to avoid the court or field altogether. All you have to do is make sure you’ve made the investment in a top-notch, professional mouthguard. For what sports or physical activities is it appropriate to use a mouthguard? Most sports that entail a lot of contact need mouthguards. These sports include boxing, martial arts, football, basketball, and hockey. But even contact sports like baseball, gymnastics, surfing, or skiing may still cause dental injury if you take a hit to the mouth during these activities. Therefore, even if you’re not informed that wearing a mouthguard is required, it’s strongly advised that you do so for any kind of physical activity. Considering that permanent teeth cannot regenerate or heal on their own, it is advisable to take precautions rather than risk losing your natural smile for the rest of your life. Where can I purchase a mouthguard? A mouthguard is available from your dentist or from a retailer. The cost of store-bought mouthguards is often lower, but the disadvantage is that they haven’t been custom-fit to your teeth. It implies that they won’t provide as much protection and won’t feel as comfortable in your mouth. In general, it’s worthwhile to spend the money on a mouthguard that is specially made to fit over your teeth. You may get in touch with your dentist right now to discuss getting a custom mouthguard created. Do you know of any additional strategies to keep your smile safe? While using a mouthguard may help prevent dental injuries, sportsmen should also take other preventative measures to avoid oral health problems, such as: • Frequent brushing and flossing: You should still try to brush and floss twice a day, even though practice might make it difficult to stick to a regular oral hygiene routine. •Drinking water instead of sports drinks: Sports drinks are often high in sugar, which may cause cavities, despite their promotion as a healthy alternative for athletes. Sticking to water can help you stay hydrated without increasing the risk of tooth decay. • Frequent dental checkups: Your dentist may inspect your teeth for issues, including any harm that may have been done without your knowledge, during a biannual visit. Taking care of these problems now may help you prevent more serious injuries down the road. Dental crises associated to sports are more often than you may imagine. Using a mouthguard and adopting other safety measures might significantly improve your smile.