How To Avoid Sports-Related Injuries to the Mouth

Sports, especially contact sports, can result in serious oral injuries if proper protections are not put in place. Dr. Ivan Stein and Dr. Allan Stein offer sports dentistry, a branch of dentistry that focuses on preventing and treating oral injuries related to participation in sports. Ahead, they list common types of sports-related injuries and discuss the importance of wearing professionally fitted oral appliances to minimize the chance of sustaining an oral injury.

Dental Injuries

Athletes are at increased risk of experiencing certain dental issues, such as soft tissue injuries and chipped teeth. If these occur while in the game, they can diminish athletic performance, making it easier to get injured in other ways; in fact, a serious oral injury can even prevent further participation until the issue is resolved. Just as the body requires special protections from impact using equipment like helmets and body pads, the mouth needs to be adequately protected to prevent common injuries such as:

• Tooth fractures
• Knocked-out teeth
• Trauma to the soft tissues in the mouth

Avoid Injuries with Professional Mouthguards

When it comes to oral protection in sports, mouthguards offer maximum protection, but not all mouthguards are of equal quality. Dr. Ivan Stein and Dr. Allan Stein are sports dentistry experts and have spent years crafting high-quality, custom-fitted mouthguards and oral devices for athletes and casual sports participants alike. They can recommend the proper device for your sport, ensuring you remain safe and focused on the field. If you participate in contact sports such as football, hockey, and mixed martial arts, you will need a mouthguard to remain safe. However, other low-contact sports can lead to oral injuries as well, and you may need to consider using a mouthguard for added protection. An ideal mouthguard will:

• Be professionally fitted and adapted to the patient’s unique oral structure
• Be composed of quality material that is resistant to bends, cracks, or tears
• Provide adequate coverage for each arch of teeth
• Offer a comfortable fit that stays in place
• Be easy to clean
• Be able to successfully absorb the energy from an impact to the mouth

Sports Dentistry in West Orange, NJ

For athletic individuals in West Orange, sports dentistry is a necessary component of dental health as well as sports performance. Proper dental protection can prevent game-ending injuries, but you should not trust your oral health to just any mouthguard. Our experts know what it takes to create a comfortable, secure, and effective oral appliance. To get started, schedule your dental examination today.