Participating in contact sports brings excitement, camaraderie, and physical challenges, but it also comes with the risk of dental injuries. Protecting your teeth and mouth should be a priority to avoid painful and costly injuries like broken teeth, jaw fractures, or even tooth loss. Fortunately, with the right precautions, you can enjoy your favorite sports while safeguarding your smile with a sportsguard. Here’s how to prevent dental injuries when playing contact sports.

Wear a Custom Mouthguard

A mouthguard is your best defense against dental injuries in contact sports. Unlike generic, over-the-counter mouthguards, a custom sportsguard offers a snug fit tailored to your teeth and mouth shape, providing maximum protection and comfort. Custom mouthguards cover the teeth completely, absorbing and dispersing the impact from blows to the face, reducing the risk of fractured or knocked-out teeth. They’re also less likely to shift, which improves breathing and speaking while wearing them.

Visit your dentist to get fitted for a sportsguard, especially if you participate in high-impact sports like football, hockey, or martial arts. This simple piece of equipment can save you from serious dental trauma and the need for costly restorative treatments down the line.

Use a Helmet with a Face Guard

Helmets protect more than just your head—they play a significant role in preventing dental injuries, particularly when equipped with a face guard. Many contact sports, including football, hockey, and lacrosse, require helmets with facial protection to shield your face from direct impacts. Face guards protect against hits from other players, equipment, or the ground, reducing the chance of breaking or chipping teeth.

Make sure your helmet fits properly and that any face guard is secure. Helmets that fit poorly can shift on impact, reducing their effectiveness and putting your mouth at greater risk.

Practice Safe Techniques

Proper technique plays a big role in injury prevention. Coaches and trainers emphasize safe playing techniques for a reason: correct form minimizes the risk of accidental contact with teammates or opponents. Whether it’s tackling in football, checking in hockey, or grappling in wrestling, focusing on safe technique not only reduces injury risk for you but also for others on the field.

Stay aware of your surroundings and follow your sport’s safety rules closely. This heightened awareness helps you anticipate sudden moves or changes in direction, which can prevent accidental hits to the mouth and face.

Stay Hydrated

Keeping your mouth hydrated may seem minor, but it actually helps reduce injury risk. Dry tissues are more prone to cuts and tears, so staying hydrated keeps your lips, gums, and other soft tissues resilient during impact. Drinking water regularly, especially during intense activities, helps maintain this natural defense and keeps you alert and energized throughout the game.

Replace Worn-Out Equipment

Over time, even the best protective gear wears out. Regularly inspect your helmet, mouthguard, and other equipment for signs of damage or wear, and replace items as needed. A worn-down mouthguard, for instance, won’t offer the same level of protection and may not fit properly, reducing its effectiveness in safeguarding your teeth.

Enjoy Sports with Peace of Mind

By taking these proactive steps, you protect your smile from common sports-related injuries, allowing you to focus on enjoying the game. Remember, prevention is key; using a custom sportsguard, wearing a proper helmet, practicing safe techniques, and staying hydrated all contribute to a safer experience in contact sports. Protecting your teeth now helps you avoid dental issues later, letting you play with confidence and peace of mind.