Football season is here and most of our patients are excited about it. Oral and Maxilofacial Surgery Nashville (OMSNashville) is excited too, but we want you to protect your teeth and mouth if you play football or any other fall contact sports.
If you’re gearing up for another season or entering fall sports for the first time, remember to protect your teeth.
Wear a Mouth Guard
This is probably the best thing you can do to protect your teeth and mouth. While these are often associated with football, you should also wear them if you play any contact sports. The mouth guard shields the teeth during play and also protects the gums and lips, which are highly sensitive. If you have any questions about a specific type of guard please discuss with your general dentist and sport’s coach.
While custom fit mouth guards are best, many of our patients choose the boil and bite option. As the name suggests, you’ll first place the mouth guard in boiling water. Once the plastic is soft, lift the guard out of the water. Let it cool. When you bite down on the guard, it will mold around your teeth. Repeat this process until the mouth guard fits comfortably.
Wear a Helmet With a Face Guard
Helmets are particularly necessary for football, cycling, and hockey. All these activities can lead to head and mouth injuries, even under the best circumstances. When choosing a helmet, check that it has a proper face guard for your sport. For instance, a football helmet’s face guard will protect different parts of the face. Make sure your helmet fits properly and isn’t too heavy. Additionally, check that it protects all areas of your head and mouth that may be injured during the sport.
What to Do if Injured
Injuries may happen despite the best protection. If a tooth is knocked out or you sustain another dental injury, don’t panic. Immediately replace the tooth into the socket. If that is not possible then soak the tooth in milk to prevent its root from drying. Go to an oral professional right away, and take the tooth with you. They may be able to reattach it if it is only chipped or broken.
For more serious injuries, oral or facial surgery may be needed. OMSNashville will work with you to determine the best option for your situation. Our oral surgeons are well versed in emergency care, acute treatment and long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation. They are on staff at local hospitals and provide emergency room coverage for facial injuries, lacerations, avulsed teeth, fractured facial bones and jaws.
OMSNashville would like to wish everyone a safe and successful fall sports season!
The information and content on our website should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or advice from your doctor.
