Holistic Dental Melbourne CBD is pleased to provide these valuable tips on how to protect your teeth during sport.
Whether it’s an individual sport or a team sport, you play professionally or for pleasure, accidents can happen. Unfortunately it can mean a knocked out tooth, chipped or crooked teeth as a result.
Physical activity is and should be part of our daily lives as is confirmed by a study conducted in 2005, as exercise does assist to maintain our dental health. Further our over-all physical health has a direct impact on our oral health.
Helmets and Mouth Guards
The use of a helmet for protection during your sporting activity and the type of helmet will depend on the sport of choice. Some cover most of the head, while others have protection included for the face and mouth.
Mouth Guards are a great way to protect teeth regardless of age. Unfortunately a large basketball coming your way headed for your mouth can do damage. The types of sports where mouth guards Melbourne are used include:
- Rugby
- Acrobatics
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Hockey
- Football
- Gymnastics
- Lacrosse
- Racquet ball
- Skateboarding
- Skiing
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Water polo
- Softball / Baseball
Obviously it is your choice and your discretion as to when you wear a mouthguard.
Types of Mouth Guards for Sport
There are three types of mouthguards:
- Off-the-shelf mouthguards
- Custom Made by a dentist
- Boil and bite – mouth formed.
We recommend a custom fitted mouthguard by one of our qualified dentists here at Holistic Dental Melbourne CBD, to ensure the right fit and the best protection. Your mouthguard should also be easy to clean, durable, comfortable, and not restrict your breathing.
What Else can you do to Protect Your Teeth for Sport?
What you eat and the extent to which you exercise can play a very important part in the health of your teeth.
Amount of Exercise
Dry mouth can result from excessive exercise and the mouth needs a good amount of saliva to keep the oral environment in balance. Excessive exercise without good nutrition can have a detrimental impact on your oral health.
Foods for Healthy, Strong Teeth
Eating the right foods starting from a young age will ensure strong teeth. It goes without saying that calcium rich and mineral rich foods will not only help you with your overall heath but also to maintain healthy, strong teeth.
Fortunately, there is quite a range of foods you can include in your menu to encourage strong teeth and there are other essential nutrients to consider along with calcium rich foods.
Calcium rich foods include almonds, apricots, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, beans, brazil nuts, yoghurt, dark leafy greens, dandelion greens, figs, dates, kale, kelp, mustard greens, oats, prunes, sesame seeds, spinach, tofu, whole wheat bread.
If you’re a professional sports person or you play a lot of sport, speak to a qualified dietitian to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need through wholefoods.
Safety Equipment
Lastly, ensure you have the right matting in case of falls. Soft sport mats and the right equipment for your sport will assist in protecting your teeth and mouth.
Get a Mouthguard
Mouthguards are used for both sport and sleep. If you suffer from bruxism then a night guard is something we are happy to discuss with you.
Speak with our friendly dentists about getting a custom mouthguard made just for you. Call tel:(03) 9662 2288.
