Tips for Preventing Oral Injuries

Dental Implants in Chicago

Injuries to the teeth and gums can occur at any time. Taking steps to prevent injury will preserve the beauty and function of your smile. Talk to your dentist about your specific risk factors and ask how you can take further precautions against injuries to your mouth. You can also find additional information about preventing mouth injuries below.

Tooth First aid

Protect Your Mouth and Face
Always wear protective equipment when playing sports. Injuries to the teeth and gums can occur even while playing sports that do not typically involve contact, such as basketball, golf, and weightlifting. Ask your dentist about a custom-fitted mouthguard, which will fit comfortably inside your mouth and block the force of blows to prevent injuries. Face cages or appropriate helmets can also help stop impacts from affecting your mouth and teeth.

Play By the Rules
Although roughhousing may please sports fans, you should always play by the rules. Avoid getting into fights or rough play during sports, which can cause injuries to the teeth, lips, and tongue. Observe proper technique when performing any activity to avoid placing undue stress on your jaw and putting your mouth at risk. If you notice yourself clenching your teeth during play, relax your jaw for improved comfort and safety.

Know How To Handle Emergencies
If a  mouth injury  does occur, remain calm and act quickly. Stop any bleeding with a soft cloth pressed against the injured area. Swelling can be reduced with an ice pack placed on the outside of the cheek over the injury. If a tooth is knocked out, find it and rinse it without scrubbing. Place it in a glass of milk or saltwater and visit your dentist immediately. Dentists can often save a knocked-out tooth if a patient is seen within half an hour.

University Associates in Dentistry provides general and cosmetic dentistry services, including dental implants, to promote healing and restore your smile after an injury. You can get more information about our  Chicago dental practice  by calling (312) 704-5511. Our blog also features more information about our cutting-edge dental care and tips for keeping your teeth safe and healthy every day. 

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