Now that summer has begun, so has the time for sports, swimming, and other fun activities to enjoy outdoors. While this may seem like fun and games, there are things to be aware of. For instance, while it is important to keep an eye out for prolonged sun exposure, the safety of your teeth is also an important factor. From tooth discoloration from swimming in a pool, to breaking a tooth playing baseball, common summertime activities can often pose a risk to tooth health and safety.
What Damages Can Occur
The activities that you partake in determine what injuries may occur. From swimming, to football, there are different ways that your teeth may become damaged. If you constantly swim in a pool, you are being exposed to chemically treated water, which usually has a higher pH level than saliva. This causes proteins in the saliva to break down quickly and form deposits, or swimmers’ calculus, on your teeth. Because these are extrinsic stains, a professional dental cleaning can help remove them. In contact sports where all of the action is close-quarters, there is a high risk factor of sustaining a dental injury.
Prevention And Treatment of Injuries
When participating in sports, it is important to take precautions when it comes to the protection of your teeth. Mouth guards are highly-effective when it comes to preventing tooth damage. When teeth become chipped or cracked, they do not self-repair the damage, and you can’t fix the tooth with home remedies. Broken teeth can usually be restored with a dental crown, depending on the severity of the break. If you have a tooth that has been damaged in any way, consult with your dentist to discuss further treatment and repairs so you can once again enjoy a beautiful, healthy, and full smile.
ABOUT YOUR SOUTHLAKE DENTISTS:
As a native Texan, Dr. Gregory Wright opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.
