If you’ve heard of dental implants, you know they’re the gold standard of tooth replacement. They can help almost anyone who needs new pearly whites for their grin. That said, dental implants especially suit athletes with missing teeth. The posts do an amazing job of restoring sports players’ smiles, offering better results than even dentures or dental bridges could. If you’d like further details, let your Temple dentist fill you in with this helpful primer!
Athletes are Prone to Tooth Loss
In the first place, athletes are rather prone to tooth loss. They thus have a high need for prosthetic teeth like dental implants.
Some athletes lose their teeth due to severe cavities. After all, these rugged people will often hydrate themselves with acidic sports drinks that eat through enamel. Players will also consume loads of sugar-filled carbohydrates, whether in the form of protein bars, smoothies, and so on. A diet packed with such items will often make teeth decay until they fall out.
One also mustn’t forget that athletes can suffer mouth injuries. Indeed, many sports involve collisions, falls, and similar accidents that knock out teeth. If a player can’t save these smile parts that fall out, they’ll be left with gaps in their grin.
Dental Implants are the Ideal Fix
If there’s any good news, it’s that dental implants are the ideal fix for an athlete’s tooth loss. They suit athletes better than other restorative options.
Dental implants offer a higher quality of life for the sports-minded. Since they remain steady and secure without adhesives, a player doesn’t have to worry about them during a game. The same can’t be said for dentures and dental bridges that crack or break from impacts. Dental implants are also permanent, so an athlete needn’t consider whether to take them out.
These facts don’t forbid athletes from getting dentures or dental bridges. However, they do show that dental implants provide a superior experience.
How Athletes Can Prevent (More) Tooth Loss
Dental implants don’t eliminate the risk of (further) tooth loss for sports players. So, athletes should remember to do the following:
- Keep Your Mouth Clean – Remember to brush twice daily, floss once daily, and rinse with mouthwash often. Also, lay off sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
- Use a Mouthguard – Anytime you play a sport, make sure to wear a mouthguard. This device will reduce the impact force from injuries and control your bite.
- Avoid Contact Sports – As much as you may like them, limit your time with contact sports like boxing, MMA, etc.
Dental implants suit athletes with missing teeth, so don’t put off your treatment. See your dental provider soon for these exceptional restorations!
About the Author
Dr. Richard Fossum is a dentist based in Temple, TX, having earned his DDS from the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. As an expert with decades of experience, he’s extremely well-versed in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental work, as well as treatments for oral emergencies. You can trust him for any and all of your oral health needs, whatever issue your grin may have! Today, Dr. Fossum practices at his self-titled clinic and is reachable on his website and by phone at (254)-831-4397.