Have you invested in a beautiful smile with cosmetic dentistry, and enjoy spending your free time indulging in mountain biking in the scenic location of Bend, Oregon? If so, you’ve made a wise decision, as both offer great benefits. But what is often overlooked is how one needs to protect their dental investment, especially when participating in physical activities.
Cosmetic dentistry—more commonly known as smile design—offers myriad options for improving the appearance of your pearly whites. If you have had your teeth professionally polished, whitened, and reshaped to create a flattering, supermodel-worthy smile, then you have what it takes to put your best face forward… and you want to keep it that way.
When you engage in activities like mountain biking that require lots of physical exertion, it’s important to keep your smile protected. Without adequate precautions, a high-speed drop off, bumpy trail, or airborne move could result in serious injury to your teeth or even a dislocated jaw.
Protecting Your Teeth While Biking
Maintaining a beautiful smile while mountain biking does not need to be as challenging as it may seem. One of the most important ways to protect your dental work is by simply wearing a helmet designed for biking. Many new, lightweight helmets are made with high-tech materials and adjustable fitting devices that are more comfortable than ever.
Mountain biking helmets feature full-coverage shells and sturdy visors designed to protect your face in case you lose control while riding. Try to avoid helmets with gaps in their coverage, as these gaps will not provide the dental protection required while navigating the tricky mountain bike paths found in Bend and the surrounding areas.
Your equipment should also be used to protect your teeth. Make sure that your bike’s handlebars are positioned correctly and that you use comfortable grips with good shock resistance. This not only helps to prevent dental injuries caused by jarring road conditions, but it also helps to improve your grip on your bike’s handlebars.
What About Protecting the Rest of Your Smile?
Keeping your dental work intact is important, but you also want to protect the rest of your teeth. Before hitting the trails, a mouthguard is a good idea. It’s especially important for athletes that exert themselves and are at-risk for oral trauma, like cyclists.
Mouthguards are usually made from thermal plastic that can be customized to fit your teeth and gums. These devices provide a good fit and a considerable level of protection. Without the added struggle of having to deal with bulky mouthguards, you can benefit from the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your teeth are protected.
What to Do When Injuries Happen?
If you have ever had a tooth knocked out while playing sports, then you know that it can be one of the most painful parts of an injury. Make sure that you are prepared in case an emergency occurs. Keep an emergency first-aid kit with you that contains a pain reliever, a cold pack for swelling and a helmet, if you don’t already have one. If you think that you may have a dental injury, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.
Conclusion
Smile design is a great way to enhance your smile, and mountain biking can be a fun way to keep your smile looking great. To protect your investment in cosmetic dentistry, make sure that you follow these important dental protection measures. By taking simple precautions to protect your dental work and your teeth while cycling, you can enjoy a harmonious smile-inducing mountain biking experience.