Exploring Oral Health Symptoms, Issues and Solutions

Why You Need to See Your Dentist Before You Start Playing Hockey

In 2015, a hockey player in Queensland received a blow to the face from a hockey stick. Unfortunately, she was wearing an over the counter mouth guard which did not adequately protect her teeth. She had to undergo extensive emergency dental surgery in order to save her teeth and correct the damage. If you are considering taking up the sport of hockey, you should visit your dentist before you pick up your stick and play your first match. Below is a guide to how a dentist can help to protect your teeth.

Carrying out a dental health assessment

As you age, your teeth naturally become a little loose in their sockets. This means there is an increased chance that they will become dislodged when playing a sport such as hockey. By having a dental check-up before you start playing, you can be 100 percent sure that your teeth are as strong and healthy as they can be. Your dentist will also carry out any necessary treatments.

Fitting a custom made mouthguard

While over-the-counter mouthguards are cheaper than custom made mouthguards, they have several disadvantages. Because they are not shaped to your mouth and teeth, over-the-counter mouthguards can be uncomfortable to wear. A loose fitting over-the-counter mouth guard can interfere with your breathing and swallowing while also making it difficult to communicate with your teammates.

If your mouthguard causes these problems, it increases the chance that you will take it out during the hockey match, leaving your teeth fully exposed to potential damage. Sports Medicine Australia promotes custom-made mouthguards as a tool which can help to reduce the level of dental injuries received while playing sports.

In order to ensure that your custom-made mouthguard fits snugly into your mouth, your dentist will create a mould of your teeth and gums. This mould will be used to create the mouthguard and to ensure it fits perfectly into your mouth, allowing you to breathe, swallow and talk with ease.

While custom mouthguards may seem like an expensive option when compared to over-the-counter mouthguards, you should consider the extra money spent as an investment in your dental health which will help you to protect your teeth and to avoid expensive bills for dental repair work.

If you have any questions or concerns about the impact of sport on your dental health, book an appointment with your dentist today. They will be able to offer further advice and assistance.


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