Engaging in sports, whether as a seasoned athlete or a beginner, brings excitement and competition. However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential dental emergencies that can occur during contact sports such as football, hockey, and rugby. Protecting your teeth is crucial, so continue reading to learn about the most common dental emergencies athletes face and how you can safeguard your smile while enjoying your favorite sports.
#1: Cracked Teeth
Sports activities that involve equipment like pucks, racquets, sticks, balls, or bats, as well as those with physical contact, require extra precautions to protect your teeth. A direct impact to the face can lead to cracked or fractured teeth, and craze lines may also occur. Safeguarding your teeth is vital during these activities. Although craze lines are typically harmless surface cracks, if they extend beyond the chewing surface, they can become a dental emergency. Look out for the following symptoms:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Sharp pain when biting down on food
- Frequent and recurring toothaches
#2: Tooth Intrusion
Intrusion injuries, where a tooth is forcefully pushed back into the jawbone, can occur in athletes of all ages. While more common in baby teeth, prompt treatment is crucial to prevent severe complications such as root reabsorption and damage to the tooth pulp.
Ankylosis is a possible outcome of intrusion injuries or other dental traumas, where the roots of a tooth become fused to the alveolar bone. This fusion can create difficulties or prevent movement of the affected tooth, leading to potential discomfort or infection.
#3: Fractured Tooth Roots
A strong facial impact can lead to a root fracture in a tooth, causing a crack that extends from the root to the crown. Since the root is located below the gum line, an infection may not be immediately visible and can spread. Root canal therapy can effectively treat the infection and avoid the need for tooth extraction.
How Athletes Can Prevent Dental Emergencies
Prevention is key when it comes to dental emergencies, and athletes can take specific precautions to minimize the risk. Some preventive measures include:
- Wear a mouthguard – Opt for a custom-fitted mouthguard to ensure optimal protection during sports activities. While store-bought mouthguards offer some level of protection, a custom-made mouthguard provides the highest degree of defense against dental injuries.
- Wear a helmet – Wearing a helmet is essential for preventing dental emergencies while participating in sports. It serves as a protective barrier, significantly reducing the chances of facial bone or tooth damage due to unforeseen impacts or collisions.
- Practice proper oral hygiene – Maintaining good dental health requires regular brushing of teeth twice a day and daily flossing. These habits are important for everyone, regardless of whether they engage in sports activities or not.
- Get regular dental checkups – Regular dental check-ups are crucial in detecting and addressing any potential issues with your teeth and gums. By doing so, your dentist can provide prompt treatment and preventive measures to avoid dental emergencies.
About the Practice
Norton Family Dentistry is a family-focused dental practice offering comprehensive dental services. From routine checkups to emergency care, their dedicated team provides high-quality treatment for patients of all ages. If you’re an athlete dealing with dental injuries, their emergency dental services can restore your smile. They can also give you advice on how to prevent them down the line. To schedule an appointment or learn more about their services, visit Norton Family Dentistry’s website or call their office at (508) 226-1686.
