Baseball is an all-time favorite sport for as long as the mid-18th century. People were hooked by the feats and records that baseball players made on the field and easily captivated the nation. Its popularity influenced movies, games, language, and many aspects of our lives today. Simple phrases like “ball park figure” and many more are proofs of how baseball was well loved and taken seriously. The influence of baseball has reached so much more than factors in our society and it doesn’t always paint a pretty picture.
Bad oral health habits started to get associated with the sport that translated to more dental problems that impacted many people who were dedicated athletes and fanatics of the sport. Listed below are the habits that damaged the teeth and dental health of most people that play and watch this game.
Chewing tobacco. Back in the days, chewing tobacco was something that players did as they spit on their gloves to make them softer. It also made their mouth moist as more saliva is produced when you chew. Nobody knew at that time that chewing tobacco had grave consequences on their teeth and mouth. Just like cigarettes, chewing tobacco caused bad breath, stained teeth tooth decay, gum diseases, and is even linked to cancer. Oral cancer has been the cause of the deaths of major league athletes after years of chewing tobacco. Nowadays, players are more aware of the dental health risks of this habit but this tradition is still alive in the field. Teams were advised to provide sugarless gum to keep their players safe from other health risks.
Sunflower seeds. These snacks were introduced in the 50s and 60s as a substitute to chewing tobacco. Although sunflower seeds did not cause staining and bad breath, it caused enamel erosion of the player’s teeth. This concern or dental problem wasn’t as fatal as the effects of chewing tobacco; but enamel loss also have negative effects on the teeth like being prone to sensitivity, tooth decay, and cavities. Snacking on the field makes the whole experience more fun but be sure to pick less salty and starchy foods. You can also try eating seedless snacks to avoid unnecessary strain on your teeth.
Injuries. Any sport have a certain amount of danger to it and baseball can definitely cause a lot of dental injuries. The ball is rock hard and the moment a player gets hit in the face, it can surely knock out their teeth. Imagine the impact it can give your jaw as the ball gets thrown at you at a really high speed. You can have injuries like misaligned jaws, chipped or broken teeth, and cuts in the mouth and lips as well as the tongue. These injuries are common and the only way players get protected is through the use of mouth guards. Your dentist can even make a mouth guard custom made for specifically your needs. This is to prevent teeth and jaw damage on practices and actual games.
Be sure to be prepared mentally and physically before stepping unto the diamond plate.