Engaging in physical activities can be very beneficial to your health but there are certain precautions you need to take to prevent injuries. Injuries to the mouth and face can be quite common when it comes to sports.
You have to understand the potential risks that are associated with your specific sport.
There are certain sports that will carry a higher risk such as basketball, soccer, hockey and football. The injuries involved are minor bruises, cuts, jaw fractures, broken teeth and soft tissue injuries. You need to use proper protective equipment to prevent injuries to the mouth such as face masks, goggles and helmets. The protective gear should fit you properly and they should meet the relevant safety standards. It is essential to wear helmets for sports such as lacrosse, football and hockey. Also, sports mouthguards can help protect the mouth especially when it comes to sports with collisions. These can prevent injuries to the lips, teeth, tongue and jaw. You can have a custom sports mouthguard from Mayfield dental care. The mouthguard will protect teeth from fractures and it can also reduce the risk of concussions and soft tissue injuries.
There are over the counter mouthguards
But you will be able to enjoy better protection with a custom-fit mouthguard. This will ensure perfect fit and you will have improved comfort when wearing it compared to over-the-counter mouthguards. You should wear a mouthguard for practices and games so that the risk of injuries to the mouth is reduced. You also need to maintain proper facial and dental health. You can go for regular dental check-ups and cleanings. This makes it easier to identify potential issues early so that they can be treated on time without you having to suffer major complications. Strong teeth can improve the overall resilience of the mouth as well. You need to obtain proper education when it comes to sports safety and injury prevention. Parents and coaches should also be educated. The coaches can then follow safety guidelines and ensure everyone wears proper protective gear. The athletes should be educated on the risks that are associated specifically with their sport and the consequences of neglecting the recommended safety measures.
Proper warm up exercises and stretching are important to prevent injuries in any sport.
You need to have a dynamic warm-up routine and the movements practiced here should be specific to your sport. The warm-up exercises will promote more blood flow within your body and improve your flexibility. You will be ready to engage in physical activity. You can also do stretching exercises focusing on the jaw, neck and facial muscles. It is also important that athletes follow the correct technique and form when it comes to their sport. For example in sports where there is a high likelihood of collisions such as soccer, the athlete should learn how to position their body so as to reduce the risk of facial impact. This education will be provided by the coaches and they can help reinforce the technique in practice sessions so that it becomes a habit.