Successful athletes have discipline, drive, and determination that propels them toward the top. Whether you’re a professional athlete or your child is just starting to play on a little league team, it’s important to be disciplined in oral hygiene and determined to do whatever it takes to keep your mouth healthy. Here are three ways athletes can take care of their teeth.

1. Wear a Mouthguard

The American Dental Association (ADA) encourages athletes of any age, in any contact sport, to include a mouthguard as a part of their uniform. The more consistent a player becomes at wearing a mouthguard, the more natural it will feel. Mouthguards are crucial in protecting your teeth, jaw, tongue, and face from injury. Make sure that the mouthguard fits appropriately to receive the greatest amount of protection. You can bring your mouthguard to dental cleaning appointments and our hygienists will clean your mouthguard and ensure it still fits correctly.

2. Avoid Sugary Sports Drinks

If you’re thirsty after a grueling practice or game, drink water rather than a sports drink. Most sports drinks contain too much sugar. The sugar from sports drinks will create acid in your mouth that weakens your enamel and leaves you susceptible to cavities. Younger athletes are tempted to believe that sugary sports drinks are necessary because that’s what the pros drink. However, Dr. Thomas Long, a private practice dentist and team dentist for the National Hockey Leagues’ Carolina Hurricanes says, “[professional athletes’] diets are so well-managed they just don’t have a lot of sugar. They make their own sports drinks, and they’re more high-protein shakes than sugary sports drinks.”

3. Brush and Floss Daily

Athletes that want to be successful at their sport know the value of discipline and believe that practice does make perfect. This is true on and off the field. When it comes to successful oral hygiene, you must be disciplined to brush and floss your teeth daily. Having healthy teeth and gums can even prevent sports injuries. “A tooth that has had a lot of decay and a lot of fillings is nowhere near as strong as a tooth that has not had decay and has not had a lot of fillings,” Dr. Long says.

Anderson & Atkins, DDS is a family dentistry committed to helping athletes of all ages have healthy teeth and gums. If you want to make sure your mouthguard fits correctly or schedule a routine cleaning to prevent cavities and decay, contact us today.

Mouthguards are an essential part of your uniform if you play contact sports such as football, basketball, lacrosse, or boxing. When you participate in these activities, your front teeth are at risk of breaking or getting knocked out. The soft tissue in your gums, lips, cheeks, and tongue are also at risk of injury if a mouthguard is not worn. They are also necessary if you grind your teeth while sleeping. In fact, nearly 20% of adults and one-third of children in America have bruxism—a condition which causes teeth grinding and jaw clenching. This can cause long term damage to your teeth and lead to headaches and jaw pain. If you play contact sports or grind your teeth at night, you need a mouthguard that’s right for you.

What Kind of Mouthguard Do I Need?

There are three kinds of mouthguards: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-made. Stock mouthguards are the cheapest of the three options because they come pre-formed and ready to go. However, they are often bulky, uncomfortable, and are known to make speaking and breathing difficult. Boil-and-bite can be found at most athletic stores. These guards are also pre-formed but can be softened in boiling water. Once it is soft, you can put the guard over your top teeth and adjust the shape to fit comfortably in your mouth. At Anderson and Atkins, DDS, we recommend the custom-fit mouthguard. These guards are individually designed from a mold of your teeth. The custom-made mouthguard will provide the most comfortable fit and the best protection. In most cases, a mouthguard is only needed for your top teeth. Dr. Thomas Long, the team dentist for the Carolina Hurricanes professional hockey team and private practice dentist says, “your top teeth take the brunt of the trauma because they stick out more while your bottom teeth are a little more protected because they are further back.” If made correctly, your mouthguard will be durable without hindering your speech or breathing.

How Do I Take Care of a Mouthguard?

You will need to rinse your mouthguard before each use and brush it with toothpaste and a toothbrush after it’s worn. On a regular basis, clean your mouthguard in cool, soapy water and then rinse it completely before drying. Storing your mouthguard correctly is just as important as cleaning it regularly. Store it in a sturdy container that is ventilated. This not only keeps the guard dry, but it also prevents bacteria from growing. Keep your mouthguard away from hot temperatures either in direct sunlight or hot water. Check the guard for signs of wear and replace it immediately if it is torn, broken, or ill-fitting. Both children and adults are encouraged to bring their mouthguard to their dental visits. During your office visit, your dentist can make sure the guard is in good condition, and still fitting properly. Because children and adolescents are constantly growing, their mouth is changing shape which requires more frequent adjustments to the size and shape of their mouthguard. Your mouthguard will last for a long time if you take care of it properly.

If you have questions about whether or not you or your child need a mouthguard, contact us at Anderson and Atkins Dentistry at (979) 846-1813. Your teeth are too important to overlook this simple solution! Set up an appointment today for your custom-fit mouthguard. You can also explore our website for more information about our general dental services and client reviews.