Getting Ready for Summer Sports

With the warmer and longer days here, we know many of our patients at Bigelow, Pastrell, Buchanan & Hartzell Dentistry will be much more active in the summer. Though most of our patients are probably already ready to hit the field for some summer fun, we thought we would discuss a few precautions to take when it comes to keeping your teeth safe as you enjoy playing your favorite sports.

Use a Mouthguard

Mouthguards are important for your child’s summer sports that help them avoid any injury. Are your kids participating in contact sports this summer? If the answer is yes, we strongly encourage you to have them fitted for a mouthguard at Bigelow, Pastrell, Buchanan & Hartzell Dentistry before the season starts. Athletes can avoid serious mouth and jaw injuries by using a mouthguard.

Be Mindful of Sports Drinks

While sports drinks can be refreshing after a game, they, unfortunately, contain high levels of sugar and citric acid, which are known to erode the teeth and reduce the minerals in the outer tooth enamel. The simplest way to prevent sports drinks from damaging your teeth? Avoid them completely and drink water instead. Water is a great option to keep you hydrated before, during, or after a game.

Floss, Floss, Floss

While we always tell our patients about the importance of flossing, it is especially important on the day of the game. Athletes are likely to consume more sugar; from energy bars and chews to gum, you are not doing your teeth any favors. All that sugar may give you that extra bounce in your step when out on the field, but we want you to remember to floss when you get home, or else contend with an increased risk of cavities down the road. Thus it’s essential to protect your teeth. However, tooth protection is required also in winter and not only in summer.

If you have any questions about keeping your teeth and mouth healthy while participating in summer sports, please give us a call at our Grants Pass office! Have fun!