Did you know that traumatic facial injuries result in over four million tooth extractions every year in the United States? The American Dental Association along with dentists and oral surgeons throughout the country designate April as National Facial Protection Month. Dr. Gilly Calcagno and our team at Calcagno Cosmetic & Family Dentistry discuss the importance of protecting your mouth when participating in physical activities such as contact sports.
Sports Related Facial Injuries
Living a physically active lifestyle is great for your overall wellbeing—particularly heart health. However, physical activity can be dangerous to your face and mouth. In fact, nearly one-third of traumatic facial injuries are caused by sports and physical activities. Facial injuries can knock out, chip, fracture, and dislodge teeth. Gum tissue may also be damaged by traumatic facial injuries.
Protect Your Teeth and Gums with Mouth Guards
Dr. Calcagno recommends that patients use mouth guards when engaging in physical activity. Contact sports such as basketball, hockey, and football are notorious for causing traumatic facial injuries. However, you may not know that physical activities such as rollerblading, cycling, and horse riding contribute to facial injuries, too.
We recommend that our patients wear mouth guards to protect their teeth and gums. Mouth guards come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some mouth guards mold to your teeth when heated so that it fits comfortably in your mouth. Supermarkets and sporting goods stores carry a wide variety of mouth guards. If you have suffered from a traumatic facial injury, Dr. Calcagno can help! We offer restorative and cosmetic procedures that will address damaged teeth and enhance the appearance of your smile.
To schedule an appointment with Calcagno Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, contact our Rochester dentist office (507) 281-3659. We serve patients from St. Charles, Red Wing, Winona, Hastings, and the neighboring Rochester communities.
