Athletes always put their bodies under extreme stress to meet up with professional standards and maintain their positions. Things get even trickier when it comes to athletes in contact sports like basketball, football, boxing, martial arts, and more. They must take extra steps to protect their faces, teeth, and every other part of their body. In this piece, however, we will focus on how professional athletes protect their teeth.
Custom-Made Mouthguards
One of the best ways athletes protect themselves from always ending up at the Austin emergency dental wards is using custom-made mouthguards. These mouthguards are tailor-made to fit the athlete's teeth perfectly, making them more effective than mass-produced, over-the-counter pieces. A dentist uses impressions from the wearer's mouth to make custom-made mouthguards. You will find these types of mouthguards primarily with professionals in the NBA, NHL, and NFL. These pieces can prevent tooth injury by up to 60%, according to some studies.
Use Mouthguard Cases
Since mouthguards go in and out of the mouth, it's easy to gather bacteria that may lead to new problems. Athletes must take extra care to keep them clean when they are outside the mouth. One way to ensure this is to keep the mouthguard in a case during storage and transportation. Most mouthguards have ventilation holes to maintain airflow and prevent bacteria buildup.
Good Oral Hygiene
Apart from protecting their teeth with mouthguards while training and playing, athletes also follow strict oral hygiene practices. Their professional teams design personalized oral care plans for these athletes. They are encouraged to brush twice daily with the best fluoride toothpaste. These athletes routinely visit dentists for oral checkups, treatment, and cleaning. They also avoid chewing on complex objects. It keeps their teeth healthy and strong for a long time.
Stay Hydrated
Another way athletes protect their mouths and the rest of their bodies is by staying hydrated. Drinking lots of water keeps your mouth wet, ensuring the saliva neutralizes some bacteria and remineralizes the teeth. They drink liters of water daily before, during, after games, and even during practice. Besides water, your favorite NBA and MLB Hall of Famers consume hydration products that replenish their electrolytes quickly. These products are essential because of the high-intensity nature of their jobs.
Avoid Sugary Sports Drinks
Athletes are careful about what they eat and drink. Their teams usually have a dietician who creates specialized protein-rich meal plans. Apart from eating these delicious meals, they also avoid overly processed foods and foods high in sugar. Sugary foods and drinks have been known to contribute to tooth decay and other oral health challenges. Overconsumption can also lead to weight gain, which isn't always good for an athlete. They usually take sugar-free or low-sugar alternatives that refresh them without risk of tooth damage.
Conclusion
The teeth and the rest of the mouth are essential for maintaining health balance in the body. If you neglect your teeth and it gets infected, the infection can go to your brain and cause serious problems, even death. Athletes aren't the only ones who should invest time and resources into dental health; you should too.
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