Three Essential Guidelines for Preventing Dental Injuries
Dental injuries such as tooth intrusion, dental cracking and soft tissue damage can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. In some serious cases, the damage will cause the loss of teeth, which translates in declined dental function and aesthetics. Therefore, it is important to protect your dental structures against damage. Protective measures are particularly critical for children and adults involved in contact sports. It is also important to be cautious about injuries under normal circumstances. Here are simple tips to help you prevent dental damage.
Use a Dental Guard
A mouthguard is an important protective device for preventing injuries. If you or your children are involved in an activity which presents significant risk of injury, you should ensure that a guard is worn. It is essential to note that it is convenient to purchase a mouthguard from a speciality supplier. However, where possible, you should opt for a custom mouthguard manufactured under the professional guidance of a qualified dentist. A custom-fitted guard will provide protection while preventing damage to soft oral tissues and teeth.
Consider Helmets
Numerous dental injuries occur due to falls during athletic activities. For instance, it is not uncommon for children to crack teeth after falling from a bicycle or participating in similar casual activities. Therefore, it is advisable for adults and children involved in activities that present a high risk of falling to wear helmets. A good helmet will protect the head and minimise trauma to the cheeks and other structures like the jaw which influence the condition of the teeth. You can also use face cages to protect the front sections of the teeth.
Protect from Repetitive Stress
Dental injuries do not only occur due to sudden impact and general accidents. The teeth can crack over time due to poor habits. For instance, if a person frequently chews on hard items, small cracks will form over time. The tooth fractures and cracks can be painful and will promote the infection of soft tissues. You can prevent these injuries by avoiding chewing on anything that causes undue pressure on the teeth. The common culprits of these injuries include fingernails, pens and ice.
If your permanent teeth sustain injury in an accident, you will need to manage the situation with efficiency to prevent teeth loss and infections. Ideally, you should consult a qualified dentist immediately for treatment. While waiting, it is important to protect the injured tooth and rinse the oral cavity with a gentle, warm saltwater rinse.
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