Our Monroe Dentist Highlight How to Prevent Them

Did you know that May is National Physical Sports Month? It’s very important to have an active, healthy lifestyle, but it’s been reported that 13-39% of all dental injuries are sports-related.

In the interest of dental health, here’s what you need to know to be prepared for dental injuries.

1. Pre-teens and teenagers have the highest rates of sports-related dental injuries. The top three sports with injuries are basketball, biking, and hockey. These injuries usually happen when an athlete falls to the ground, when an elbow, hand or arm makes contact with the mouth, or with airborne equipment like basketballs.

2. Wearing a mouth guard can dramatically decrease the chances a dental injury while playing a sport. In fact, an athlete is 60 times more likely to sustain a dental injury if they’re not wearing a mouth guard.

3. It is best to get a custom fit mouth guard from your dentist. Custom mouth guards provide the most amount of protection and are also the most comfortable. Stock mouth guards are ready to wear, but provide the least amount of protection.

If you or your child suffers from a dental injury, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. If the injury affects the tongue, cheeks, gums or lips, and bleeding doesn’t stop, seek medical attention at an urgent care immediately.

For more information about dental sports injuries and how to prevent them, contact our Monroe dentist today to schedule your consultation for exams, x-rays, and even mouthguards.