How to Help Protect Your Teeth During Sports
General Oral Health Tips from Hampstead Dental
Staying active through sports is great for your overall wellbeing—but it’s also important to be aware of the risks to your teeth and mouth. Activities involving physical contact or high-speed movement can increase the likelihood of oral injuries. At Hampstead Dental, we encourage a preventive approach to dental care, including steps that may help reduce the risk of injury while participating in sport or exercise.
Why Protecting Your Teeth During Sports is Important
Whether you’re involved in AFL, rugby, basketball, soccer, cycling, or skating, there’s a risk of injury due to collisions, falls, or impacts. These incidents can result in chipped, cracked, or dislodged teeth. Taking precautions, such as using protective gear and attending regular dental check-ups, may help reduce this risk.
Mouthguards and Their Role in Sports Safety
Wearing a mouthguard is a common recommendation for individuals participating in contact or high-impact sports. Mouthguards are designed to provide a cushioning layer between the teeth and soft tissues in the mouth, which may help absorb impact and reduce injury severity.
At Hampstead Dental, we offer custom-fitted mouthguards. These are designed to suit the unique shape of your mouth and may provide improved comfort and stability compared to generic, over-the-counter alternatives.
Custom-fitted mouthguards may offer:
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A personalised fit that helps the appliance stay securely in place
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Support for speaking and breathing while playing sport
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Protection for teeth, gums, lips, and jaw during physical contact
Dental Check-Ups Before and After Sporting Seasons
We recommend visiting your dentist before beginning a sports season to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. A post-season review may also be helpful to check for signs of wear or injury and to assess whether your mouthguard still fits properly.
Routine dental visits are an important part of maintaining long-term oral health.
Everyday Habits That May Increase Injury Risk
Certain behaviours may increase the likelihood of dental trauma. These include:
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Biting hard objects (e.g., pens, fingernails)
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Chewing ice or hard lollies
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Playing sports without appropriate protective gear
Hydration also plays a role in maintaining a healthy oral environment. Drinking plenty of water helps prevent dry mouth, which may reduce discomfort and irritation to oral tissues during sport.
What to Do in Case of a Dental Injury
In the event of an oral injury during sport, prompt action can support the best possible outcome. Here are some general first-aid tips:
Chipped or broken tooth:
Rinse your mouth gently with water. Save any pieces if possible. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and seek dental advice as soon as possible.
Knocked-out tooth:
Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root). If feasible, place it back in the socket. Otherwise, store it in milk or saliva and contact your dentist immediately.
Soft tissue injury (cut lip or tongue):
Rinse gently with water, apply a cold compress, and seek medical attention if bleeding continues.
These are general guidelines only. Each situation is unique, and individual assessment by a dental or medical professional is recommended.
Supporting Active Lifestyles with Preventive Dental Care
At Hampstead Dental, we offer general dental services and personalised advice based on your oral health needs. If you’re an athlete or regularly participate in physical activity, a dental consultation can help you explore suitable preventive options—such as mouthguards—designed for your specific needs.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating protective measures such as wearing a mouthguard and scheduling regular dental check-ups may help reduce the risk of oral injury during sport. If you’d like more information or are considering a custom-fitted mouthguard, our team at Hampstead Dental is available to assist.
Disclaimer: The information above is general in nature and does not replace professional advice. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
