Oral health is equally important for everyone, but those who spend a lot of time doing athletic activities need to take some special considerations into account when it comes to dental care.
Step Up Your Teeth Cleaning if You’re a Swimmer
If you spend a lot of time swimming in chlorinated pools, you may be more susceptible to teeth staining. This is due to the reaction of pool-water-treatment chemicals with saliva, which can result in brownish deposits known as “swimmers calculus.” Drink plenty of water and brush your teeth just after swimming to help prevent this issue.
Choose Water Over Gatorade
Staying hydrated as an athlete is very important, but those sugary sport drinks do a number on your teeth. Opt for water instead, or if you really need the electrolyte hit, make sure to sip water after drinking any sugary sport drink in order to flush residue out and leave your teeth cleaner.
Use a Mouthguard on the Field
If you play a sport where you run the risk of impact to your face, such as football, boxing, or other contact sports, wearing a mouthguard can save you a lot of pain and trips to the dentist. Wear a mouthguard during your games and, while a ball hitting you in the face is still something you should try to avoid, if it happens it’s less likely to leave you with lost or broken teeth or lip/gum injuries.
If You Do Lose a Tooth, Here’s What to Do
It happens. Sometimes when playing a sport, athletes can lose a tooth. If you find yourself in this position, it’s important to know what to do. Your dentist may be able to save the tooth and place it back in your mouth if you are able to get to the dentist within 30-45 minutes of the tooth falling out. The best thing you can do is to stick the tooth back into the socket in your mouth. If that is not possible, store the tooth in milk or a saltwater solution. The most important thing in this situation is, of course, to get to the dentist as quickly as possible.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
The most reliable way to keep your teeth healthy and strong is to have regular dental checkups and ask your dentist about any specific concerns you may have regarding your oral health and sports. Book an appointment with Tsawwassen Family Dental today!
