Playing sports such as football and hockey is a leading cause of injury for Canadians. It’s important to understand how simple preventive measures can help to protect your teeth and jaw and ensure safety while playing your favourite sports. Within this blog, we’ll highlight several measures to protect your teeth and jaw during sports play.
Wear Custom Designed Mouth Guards
Custom-made mouth guards created by a dental professional can help keep your teeth and jaw secure when playing sports. The latest data shows that an athlete is 60 times more likely to sustain damage to their teeth when not wearing a protective mouth guard. It has also been estimated that mouth guards aid in preventing over 200,000 injuries each year including concussions. The leading advantages of custom made mouth guards is their comfort and customized and precision fit. They will help protect your mouth and jaw without detracting from the sporting experience as well as aiding in preventing concussions.
Learn more about family dentistry services in Pickering.
Select an Effective Helmet
The latest helmet products have been designed to protect you from serious head injury during contact sports such as football and hockey. The helmet can absorb the blow of an impact and ensure your jaw, teeth and spine don’t take the brunt of the force. But it’s important to select an effective helmet for your head size. Speak with a local sports specialist in your area to discuss helmet sizing and the factors behind effective helmet performance.
Stop Play Immediately If an Issue Arises
One of the leading causes of the most serious head injuries during sports is when a player doesn’t exit the field or ice when they’re injured. Many try to play on after suffering a severe blow to the head. But it’s important to remove yourself from play until you regain your composure and have been cleared to return to play. If you experience any dizziness or loss of vision, it’s imperative to speak with a medical professional as soon as possible who can help ensure you haven’t suffered a concussion or another serious head injury.
By taking precautions during play and preparing yourself with the leading properly fitting equipment for the next game, you can protect your jaw and teeth over the long-term. Speak with one of our in-house experts directly to learn more about customized mouth guard options.
Helpful Resources

For more information, visit the CDA Oral Health Resources.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I visit the dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.
Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.
What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?
We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.
About Dr. Marvin Lean, DDS
Dr. Marvin Lean, DDS, is the owner and lead dentist at Pickering Square Dental. With decades of experience in family and laser dentistry, Dr. Lean is also the official dentist of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is a member of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) and the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). Dr. Lean and his team provide comprehensive dental care including sedation dentistry, dental implants, emergency dental care, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Scarborough, Oshawa, and Markham.

