Dangerous Play: 4 Common Dental Emergencies Among Athletes

Athletes are often equipped with safety gear to protect their head, shins, elbows, chest, shoulders, and more. Too often, they forget that their mouth is a prime target for damage, resulting in many seeking immediate care for a dental emergency. While engaging in contact sports, countless accidents can occur, so keep reading to learn about the four most common injuries an athlete can face and how to better protect their teeth and gums while in play.

What Dental Injuries Do Athletes Commonly Face?

Without proper mouth protection (i.e., athletic sportsguard), athletes can experience mild to severe injuries, some of which require timely and immediate help from a qualified dental professional. These include:

• Chipped/Fractured Teeth: Whether you’re playing a contact sport or not, a chipped or fractured tooth can easily occur if too much pressure is applied. A fall while on a run or a hard hit on the field can result in damage to your pearly whites, leaving you with one or more incomplete teeth. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need a dental crown to repair and protect the affected tooth.
• Knocked-Out Tooth: Full-contact sports are often the culprit behind knocked-out teeth. A hard-hitting tackle or aggressive throwdown during a wrestling match can cause much pressure on one or more teeth, resulting in detachment. Should this happen, a dentist can try to save the tooth if you’re seen within the hour. Otherwise, discussions about tooth replacement are required.
• Fractured Tooth Root: Certain injuries can damage the root of a tooth and slowly move upward until it is visible above the gumline. Initially, you may not notice there is a problem; however, seeking immediate care is important if you want to avoid a potential infection. A dentist will need to perform root canal treatment to try and save it from extraction.
• Tooth Intrusion: Of all the injuries listed, this one is least likely to occur; however, it can happen. When a hard hit results in a tooth being pushed back into the jawbone, it is known as tooth intrusion. While baby teeth are more likely to be affected, this problem can occur in teens and adults with permanent teeth. A dentist will need to evaluate the extent of the damage and determine whether root canal treatment or tooth extraction is required.

How Can a Sportsguard Help?

Whether it’s you or your teenager who enjoys playing sports, do not discount the importance of having a customized athletic sportsguard created for optimal protection. These unique appliances are unlike the one-size-fits-all, boil-and-bite brands found at local sporting goods stores.

These are crafted using impressions taken during a regular appointment and designed to fit comfortably inside the mouth. Not only will you be able to breathe freely but also worry less about potential damage to your teeth and gums. When worn correctly, the device will absorb pressure placed against the mouth during a game, reducing the potential risk of a dental emergency.

Athletes of all ages will find that wearing a customized sportsguard is the best way to avoid a trip to the emergency dentist’s office, so no matter if it’s you or your child who needs one, make sure to talk to your dentist about how you can protect your smile before the next big game.

About the Author
Dr. LJ Adam has been providing services to Worthington residents for 20+ years. Following in the footsteps of his parents who purchased the practice more than 40 years ago, he completed his dental degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 2004. Offering an array of services, he welcomes patients who need immediate care for dental injuries. Whether it’s an athlete who’s sustained a knocked-out tooth or an individual who recently lost a dental crown, he can provide the timely treatment patients need. If you or a loved one requires emergency dentistry, visit our website or call (724) 297-3446.