As an athlete, maintaining your body’s performance is one of your top priorities. However, you may not realize that dental problems can affect your overall health and fitness. Working with your dentist to prevent or address dental issues will help you maintain your health and enhance your athletic performance.
How Oral Health Affects Athletic Performance
Your mouth is the gateway to your body, and the health of your teeth and gums can affect your overall wellbeing. If left untreated, dental infections can spread to other parts of the body, affecting organ function and physical performance. Dental pain caused by tooth grinding, contact with chlorinated water, or certain motions of the face and neck can also affect your ability to fully concentrate during sports.
Why Dental Protection is Important
Sporting activities present hazards to the teeth, gums, and tongue that everyday activities do not. As a result, athletes need to consider dental protection to prevent or minimize facial injuries. Make sure you wear the proper protective equipment for your activity, including a faceplate or mouth guard. The use of a mouth guard may also improve athletic performance by eliminating pain and allowing the jaw to clench safely, enhancing concentration without causing dental damage.
How Your Dentist Can Help
Swimmers, in particular, may experience dental problems such as tooth sensitivity or discoloration due to long hours spent in the pool. Increasing the frequency of dental cleanings can address these issues and promote a bright, healthy smile. No matter what activity you participate in, you should bring up any pain or concerns with your dentist so that problems can be treated early. Your dentist can provide you with a custom-fitted mouth guard to protect your teeth. If you do injure a tooth, remain calm and visit your dentist immediately for prompt care.
As the team dentists, University Associates in Dentistry is the dental care provider of the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team. Our dentists understand athletes’ unique dental needs and will address all aspects of your dental care for a dazzling smile on and off the field. Call us at (312) 704-5511 or visit our website to find out how you can become our newest patient.
