Many kids and adults in and around Calgary play hockey in the winter. Whether you play competitively or just for fun, you’re putting your teeth at risk.
Flying pucks can hit you in the mouth fast and hard, cracking, chipping or even knocking a tooth right out. Luckily, it’s possible to protect your teeth without giving up on your favourite winter activity. Here’s how. 1. Wear a mouth guard. This protective device covers your teeth and gums to reduce the chances of injury. There are three main types of mouth guard: • Stock mouth protectors. Dentists don’t recommend stock protectors because it’s almost impossible to find one that fits your mouth comfortably. • Boil and bite mouth guards. Offering better protection than the previous option, these are shaped to the wearer’s mouth by putting them in hot water to soften and then shaping them to the teeth. • Custom mouth guards. This is the best choice, because they’re made by professionals to fit the exact shape of your mouth. 2. Wear full-face protection. While some leagues allow you to wear a half-face visor, these don’t do anything to protect your mouth and teeth. Instead, opt for a full-face shield, which offers much more protection. 3. Use your water bottle carefully. If you have a water bottle with a tip you have to pull open, don’t do it with your teeth. This may seem silly compared to flying hockey pucks and sticks, but many people chip or crack their teeth doing this. Use your fingers instead.
What To Do If You Break A Tooth While Playing Hockey
Even with these precautions, there’s always a chance that you do experience a dental emergency while playing hockey. If this happens, it’s important to take the proper steps to save your teeth.
If a tooth has been knocked out completely, the best course of action is to try to put it back in its socket and try to see a dentist within half an hour. If you can’t put it in its socket, store it in a container of milk or your own saliva or hold in in your cheek. If you chip or crack a tooth, store the pieces in the same way and get to the dentist as soon as possible.
Contact Our Calgary Emergency Dentist
At Forest Lawn Dental Centre, we know that dental emergencies can happen at any time. That’s why our dentist in Calgary SE keeps time open during regular office hours every day to see emergency patients. Contact Us today to learn more.