Sports dentistry - soccer player pointing at teeth

Sports Dentistry: Treating Your Athletic Patients 

The biggest sporting event in the country is fresh in the minds of all Americans. 

With football plays leaving us on the edge of our seats, musical spectacles, and of course, those commercials filling the gaps between, it’s easy to see why everyone gets so excited. 

It fills people with anticipation that builds until the opening kickoff and remains in conversation throughout the remaining weeks.

Though it’s easy to get caught up in the glamor of the event, it’s important to acknowledge the sports dentistry it takes to keep athletes healthy. 

While you probably don’t work with the likes of Joe Burrow or Cooper Kupp, you still deal with athletes of all types.

Whether it’s a kid on a youth T-ball team, a high school football player, or an adult in a volleyball rec league, oral injuries are a reality of sport.

So too, is the importance of sports dentistry.

In fact, athletes actually suffer a higher rate of dental problems than the general population, despite reporting better oral hygiene habits. 

Consider the following of those surveyed:

Nearly half (49%) reported untreated tooth decay, 32% reported poor oral health negatively impacting their performance, and the majority showed early signs of gum inflammation. 

And yet, they also reported better health habits:

94% brushed twice a day, and 44% claimed to floss. In contrast, only 75% of the general population reports brushing twice a day, and only 21% floss. 

So, if athletes have better habits, yet still suffer worse oral health, what’s going on? 

Whether you’re treating players in the NFL or high school soccer players, there are some common factors in sports dentistry to keep those game winning smiles healthy and intact.

The Importance of Mouthguards in Sports Dentistry

First and foremost, the most important thing you can do for your patient is providing them with a proper mouthguard

Of the millions of oral injuries suffered every year, between 13%-39% are estimated to be sports-related.

Of these, 80% involve the front teeth – no surprise considering they facing the brunt of an impact. 

This makes mouthguards particularly important in high contact sports like football, hockey or boxing. 

While many leagues maintain rules requiring mouthguards during play, that doesn’t mean players actually follow through.

In sports dentistry however, you need to find a way to drive home that importance. 

Your younger patients may be particularly skeptical of mouthguards, worried that they’ll be uncomfortable to wear. 

But, with today’s customized mouthguards, you keep them protected while keeping them comfortable as well. 

For athletic patients reluctant to wear a bulky drug-store guard, this can make a huge difference in their reluctance to protect their teeth. 

The Dangers of Sports Drinks 

So, with all the brushing and flossing athletes are doing, what’s going on with all those dental problems? 

Aside from the physical risk of taking a puck or elbow to the face, athletes tend to have one more thing in common: the overconsumption of sugary, acid sports drinks and sugar-laden energy bars. 

It’s important to educate your patients on the dangers these present – a tough sell considering the marketing budgets companies throw into their products. 

If your patients mention their love of sports, ask what they grab to rehydrate. Chances are, it’s a sports drink. 

From there, it’s time for some real talk, explaining just how bad they really are. 

For example, a 20 ounce bottle of Gatorade contains up to 34 grams of sugar, which mixes with bacteria in the mouth, creating acid

When combined with the acidic nature of the drink itself, there’s a recipe for an oral time-bomb. 

This acid weakens the enamel of the teeth, increasing the likelihood of cavities and other problems. 

And yet, there’s a good chance your patients aren’t even aware of the risks. 

After all, these products are aimed directly at athletes, touting all the benefits and reasons why they should be the beverage of choice.

Take the time to educate them, reminding them that in most situations, plenty of water is still the best option.

Sports Dentistry: When the Damage is Done 

For some athletes, it might be too late. The damage is already done. 

For instance, who hasn’t seen the gap-filled grin of an NHL player? It’s an all-too-familiar sight in sports dentistry. 

If your patients are in this boat, it might be time to talk to them about dental implants, and discuss which options would suit them best. 

Athletes with dental implants should use a mouthguard and avoid sugary drinks as well, but it’s important to add a few other tips during their visit.

First, if they’re in need of an implant immediately, you’ll need to discuss the healing process.

Of course they’ll want to return to the field as soon as possible, but athletes who have just received a dental implant experience bleeding after the operation, and may require time for bone to heal. 

Make sure they’re prepared for the proper timetable, or they’ll risk damage to the implant, prolonging the process. 

You’ll need to work with them to determine the best time for surgery, more so than what an average patient would need to consider.

Another possibility for athletes with missing teeth is the use of a removable dental flipper that athletes can take out during their game.

Otherwise known as a removable partial denture, they can be a great temporary option until your patient is ready for a permanent solution. 

Depending on their commitment to the playing field, you might suggest they wait until an off-season for a permanent implant. 

In some scenarios, if an implant is knocked out, it can cause damage to the jawbone. Waiting until the mouth is no longer in danger can prevent some serious damage.   

Finally, regardless of what athlete you are treating in sports dentistry, you should give them the same advice as every other patient: brush and floss your teeth. 

Just like the muscles, the mouth requires a workout to stay strong and healthy. Basic dental hygiene can be the mouth’s workout that keeps their smile in good shape.  

The Takeaways 

In sports dentistry, patients face some unique challenges to their oral health. But, that doesn’t mean it’s unavoidable. 

Take the time to find out about their habits, whether it’s wearing protective mouthguards or drinking one-too-many-sports drinks. 

For those who’ve already suffered major damage, take the time to go over the implant process, and what options they might have. 

Just because your patients didn’t throw the winning touchdown on the world’s biggest stage, doesn’t mean they deserve any less care. 

 

About First Choice Dental Lab® 

  

We’re a full-service dental lab with locations in Downers Grove, Il. & Wauwatosa, Wi.  

We manufacture & customize quality dental restorations for general dentists. We create smiles based on your needs and budget. 

We’re here to help you give your patients a reason to smile! 

Complete the form below (or on the right-hand side of your computer) to request a fee schedule today! 

 

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