If you’re an athlete, prioritizing your physical fitness and overall well-being is likely second nature. But do you take care of your oral health? Oral health can have a significant impact on your overall health.
No matter what sport you play or how advanced of an athlete you are, maintaining good oral health is crucial. Below, we share oral health tips to keep your smile in top shape!
- Protect Your Teeth with a Custom Mouthguard
- Stay Hydrated
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits
- Limit Sports Drinks & Energy Bars
- Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Contact sports, like football, basketball, hockey, soccer, and lacrosse, can put your teeth at risk of injury. To protect your teeth from trauma, invest in a custom mouthguard. Unlike generic mouthguards, a custom one is designed to fit your mouth perfectly to provide optimal protection against impact. You can focus on your game with confidence when wearing a custom mouthguard.
Hydration is vital for athletes for physical performance and oral health. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain saliva production, the mouth’s natural defense against tooth decay and gum disease. When you’re dehydrated, saliva production decreases. Be sure to sip water throughout your workouts and replenish your body’s fluids after playing a sport.
Brushing and flossing are fundamental oral hygiene practices. Athletes may have higher carb intake, which can increase their risk of tooth decay. Along with brushing and flossing, many athletes benefit from incorporating an alcohol-free mouthwash to reduce bacteria in the mouth.
Sports drinks and energy bars are often consumed by athletes for quick energy and hydration. However, many of these products contain high sugar, which can be detrimental to your oral health. It’s best to opt for water or sugar-free sports drinks whenever possible and choose nutritious snacks.
Between games and practice, it can be easy to miss scheduled dental visits. But regular dental checkups are crucial for maintaining positive oral health. Visits to the dentist allow dental problems to be identified and addressed early on, which prevents them from negatively affecting your performance and causing long-term damage.
Athletic Mouthguards in Grafton, MA
Whether you play a sport leisurely or are dedicated to a rigorous practice schedule, it’s essential to protect your teeth from wear and tear. At Grafton Dental Care, our team can help protect your smile with a custom athletic mouthguard so you can enjoy your sport and be less likely to experience dental emergencies. Contact us today to schedule your visit!
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