Northern Utah is home to hundreds of biking trails, ski slopes, and rock climbing spots, allowing you plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors. Whether you’re heading to the ski lodge this winter or packing up your bike this summer for a trail ride with your loved ones, it’s important that you pack all of the appropriate safety equipment.
But, while you’re packing up helmets, knee and elbow pads, goggles, and harnesses, you should also consider packing sports guards. Although you might think of sports guards as an appropriate addition for anyone who plays contact sports, they are also a great way to keep your teeth safe while on the trails.
In this blog, we’ll help you find your ideal sports guard, explain just why they’re so important for outdoor activities, and explore the kinds of injuries you may experience without a sports guard.
Why Trail Riders and Outdoor Athletes Need Sports Guards
If you’ve ever played a contact sport, you’re probably familiar with sports guards. This protective gear is essential for keeping you safe from dental injuries while playing football, baseball, soccer, and more. However, have you ever considered investing in sports guards for non-contact sports, like mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing?
Although you don’t intentionally come in contact with anyone during activities like biking, skiing, and climbing, mouth guards are still an incredibly beneficial addition. During these activities, your teeth are still at risk of injury. Whether you fall while riding your bike, are involved in a high-speed impact while skiing, or are hit by falling rocks while climbing, your teeth are at risk.
If you want to keep your teeth safe during all of these outdoor activities, it is best to speak to your dental team about sports guards. While it can be tempting to purchase an off-the-shelf sports guard, talking to your dentist about getting a sports guard fit to your smile will provide you with the best protection possible.
Common Dental Injuries That Happen on the Trails
Although the idea of wearing a sports guard can be tempting, you may find yourself considering opting out. If you’ve never been injured during these outdoor activities in the past, you might think you’re safe from injuries in the future. However, this isn’t the case. There is always an inherent risk of injury while on the trails, and it’s best to protect yourself.
The injuries you may experience while on the trail are more than just painful. They can be incredibly detrimental to your long-term oral health and well-being, and costly to remedy, especially if they result in the loss of your tooth. Some of the most common dental injuries you may experience while on the trail include:
- Cracked, chipped, or fractured teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Dislodged, loose teeth
- Soft tissue injuries
If you want to ensure the well-being of your smile, it is in your best interest to begin considering sports guards and whether they’re the right option for long-term protection.
How Custom Sports Guards Provide Better Protection and Comfort
If you’ve decided that sports guards are right for you on the trail, you may consider picking up the first one you find at the store. These store-bought devices are incredibly easy to get your hands on, offering immediate protection. However, this may not ultimately provide you with the level of protection you’re looking for.
Instead of purchasing sports guards from the store, it may be in your best interest to reach out to your dentist for expert support. When you partner with your dentist to craft this protective gear, they can design your sports guard to the unique contouring of your teeth and jaw instead of relying on pliable store-bought products.
When you turn to your dentist for a sports guard, they will take an impression of your teeth and have a custom guard crafted for your teeth. This won’t just ensure a snug fit but also complete coverage, which boosts stability. Finally, these are made of a medical-grade product, which means they withstand wear and tear better than store-bought products.
Choosing the Right Sports Guard for Your Outdoor Adventures
With so many sports guards on the market, you may be on the fence about reaching out to your dentist for support. In order to make the best decision for your smile, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each option. If you want to make the best decision for your smile, consider the benefits of each available option:
- Stock Mouth Guard: These guards are a great, easily accessible and affordable option if you need immediate protection for low-contact sports, but they are not going to fit the unique bite and contour of your teeth.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guard: Much like stock guards, they are affordable and easily accessible, but they may not grip your teeth perfectly, leading to them slipping or feeling uncomfortable while wearing them.
- Custom Mouth Guard: These mouth guards are customized to your unique bite and tooth contours, allowing for a more comfortable fit, but they are also the most expensive option on the market, which may sway your decision.
Tips for Keeping Your Sports Guard Clean, Safe, and Ready for Every Ride
While it is important that you wear a sports guard during your outdoor activities, it is also important that you keep it clean. Failing to clean your sports guards can compromise your oral health down the line. If you want to keep it as clean as possible, make sure to do the following after every wear:
- Rinse it with cool water immediately after use.
- Brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap, and allow it to dry.
- Give it a deep cleaning with denture tablets or hydrogen peroxide once a week.
- Keep it stored in a ventilated case to prevent moisture buildup.
- Keep it away from heat, which may soften and warp it.
- Place it out of reach of your pets who may chew on it while you’re away.
- Clean the case with soap and water every week to ensure clean storage.
- Replace it if you notice lingering odors, cracks, tears, or a loose fit.
Let Us Help You Find Your Perfect Sports Guard
If you’ve been considering investing in sports guards to keep your smile safe during outdoor activities, turn to our team at North View Dental for expert support. For decades, we’ve provided expert dental care to patients across the Wasatch Front, and we’re confident that we can do the same for you. Whether you’re dealing with a dental emergency as a result of your outdoor activities, need a sports guard, or simply want to begin your oral health journey, we’re here and ready to support you through every step of this journey.
When you’re ready to learn more, contact our team to schedule an appointment.
