The Tips You Need to Protect Your Smile When You Play a Band Instrument

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If you play a band instrument, you probably get caught up in practicing, hitting every note correctly, or even performing a song flawlessly. As you focus, you probably don’t think about your smile and oral health. This can be dangerous for your teeth and gums. Unfortunately, if you’re not careful, playing an instrument can cause many consequences you don’t even think of. So, to keep your smile and oral health in tip-top shape, our dentist, Dr. Chad Howe, has some tips for you.

First, clean your instrument. Instruments, especially instruments you operate with your mouth, can harbor bacteria and even mold. When this happens, using the instrument can make you sick. So, make sure your instrument is cleaned thoroughly and regularly. If you need help doing so, feel free to research cleaning techniques online. There are many helpful resources available.

Second, protect your teeth and oral tissues. Some instruments, like wind and brass instruments, require you to forcefully hold them against or inside the lips to produce a sound. This pressure can be dangerous for your teeth and oral tissues. To protect them, it’s best to wear an acrylic mouthguard while you play. If you would like to know which guard is best, please ask your dentist.

Do you have questions about how to protect your smile and oral health when you play an instrument in Roy, Utah? If so, please reach out to Howe Dental at 801-776-1240 at your earliest convenience. Our dental team is here to help you in any way we can, so please don’t be afraid to give us a call!