Tooth loss can happen for a number of different reasons, but one of the most common reasons for tooth loss amongst young people is accidents in sports. Some American dentists estimate that up to 4 out of 10 of the patients that they see who have experienced tooth loss have fallen victim to this issue because they have been involved in a sporting accident. It is hardly surprising when you consider the physical nature of football and basketball, and the high speeds involved with baseball and softball. The best option for many of those who have been unfortunate enough to suffer dental accidents is to have dental implants to replace their missing teeth.
Although there are a number of different replacement options available, dental implants have a lot of positives attached to them, which can be considered within a sporting context. Implants are fixed in position and it is not normally possible for the individual to remove them without professional help. This contrasts with other options, such as dentures and removable bridges. Although these are generally safe to wear, some people do worry about wearing removable teethwhilst they are playing sports, because there is an increased risk that these could become loose and end up being swallowed. This is not a concern with a permanent, fixed solution.
Sports people are also excellent candidates for dental implants, because of their healthy lifestyles. Those who play sports tend to eat less sugary substances, so there is normally less concern about serious underlying oral health issues. Many sports people also have better bone density as well, which means that their implants will take well and sit securely in the jaw bone. Certain types of dental implants are unsuitable for some candidates who have low bone density, because the jaw bone simply will not be able to support the implants. This is less likely to be a concern for active sportspeople.
Having implants can help sportspeople to maintain their healthy lifestyle and reduce the amount of downtime that is associated with injuries. Some people who suffer from tooth loss and who do not take action can experience nutritional issues, and wider oral health issues. Missing teeth can affect what people eat, because they choose different foods for comfort and ease. As a sports person, it is important to maintain a healthy diet, and changing what you eat can affect the way that you play. Even some denture users experience this issue, as some foods are very uncomfortable to eat whilst wearing dentures. You are also likely to change the way that you chew, which can cause unnatural strain on your other teeth and gums, and can cause pain in the jaw bone. Jaw bone pain can cause headaches and some neck strain issues. It is possible to eat all foods with great ease when you have dental implants.
Comments