How To: Avoid Dental Injuries During Summer Sports

10220544_lSummer is a common time to enjoy outdoor sporting activities. However, these events may expose teeth to danger. It is important to learn dental tips to avoid oral injuries during warm weather sports.

Scuba Diving. Although scuba diving is a great way to get a glimpse of life under the water, it may cause jaw distress or gum issues. These symptoms often signal “diver’s mouth syndrome.” This occurs as air pressure changes and adversely affects the mouth. To avoid these problems, it is wise to visit your dentist before diving. This professional will make sure your mouth is in top condition and may help fit your air regulator’s mouthpiece.

Swimming. Swimming is one of the most popular summer sports. However, pools are filled with chemicals that can form brown organic deposits on teeth. To remove this “swimmer’s calculus,” you should schedule a professional cleaning.

Soccer. When playing soccer, it is important to follow a few safety tips. The American Dental Association, recommends wearing a mouthguard. This item helps prevent over 200,000 injuries each year. Besides avoiding damage to braces and dental work, you may avoid jaw injuries as well.

There are various mouthguard options. Stock mouthguards are the least expensive choices and are available on store shelves. Fit adjustments are not possible, so protection is limited. Mouth-formed protectors are usually available in sporting good stores. The shell liners are made from acrylic or rubber so that they mold to the teeth and provide better fits. Custom mouthpieces offer the highest level of protection and comfort. They are made by dentists and form to mouths’ exact specifications.

Biking. To avoid mouth injuries while biking, it is essential to wear a helmet. This piece of equipment protects the entire head. If you lose control and fall, a helmet will keep your face from hitting the ground.

When summer arrives, it is important to follow safety precautions so that your teeth do not become damaged while playing sports. Since the warm weather allows people to have fun outdoors, swimming, diving, and soccer and just a few of the most popular activities. Discussing dental tips with your oral care provider will keep your mouth healthy and your teeth unharmed.