Mouthguards play an important role in protecting teeth and the mouth during a collision. In contact sports like football, hockey, and rugby, mouthguards are vital. However, they may be just as important in other sports that aren’t known as contact sports but involve frequent contact nonetheless, such as basketball and soccer. Below, your Brighton dentist, Dr. Thomas Villani, explains how wearing a mouthguard can prevent a dental emergency.
Mouthguards and Your Teeth
During a collision, people lose control of their bodies. The unexpected force jars them, and they do things they are unable to prevent. Often, when a violent collision occurs, the head will snap forward, causing the upper and lower jaws to snap shut. Without a mouthguard, there is nothing to absorb the blow but the teeth themselves, and such a powerful impact is capable of causing serious damage to the teeth and mouth. Teeth may crack, chip, or break, and if they don’t come together perfectly, a severely bitten tongue or lip may occur. However, with a mouthguard to absorb the shock, the lips, tongue, and teeth are all protected, and the blow is cushioned.
Reacting to Dental Emergencies
If you or a loved one does experience a dental emergency, there are some steps you can take before you arrive for treatment from your Brighton emergency dentist, Dr. Villani.
- If a tooth is cracked or broken, rinse with warm water to remove lingering bacteria from the mouth. With the tooth’s defenses compromised, bacteria have an easier time accessing the tooth’s pulp.
- If a tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown and rinse it clean with water. Then replace the tooth in the empty socket or place it in a glass of milk.
Visit Your Brighton Emergency Dentist
In the event of an emergency, prompt dental care is imperative. If you or a loved one experiences dental trauma, contact your Brighton emergency dentist, Dr. Villani, by calling Brighton Family Dental Group at (617) 562-5210. We proudly serve patients from Watertown, Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, Brighton, and the 02135 area.
