Putting your body on the line comes with the territory when you’re an athlete, especially if it’s a contact sport. Unfortunately, that sacrifice sometimes produces undesired results, like an accident involving your teeth. A collision, fall, or impact from sports equipment can result in a dental emergency that requires prompt attention. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common mishaps that happen to athletes.
Knocked-Out Teeth
You don’t have to be a professional hockey player to have suffered a knocked-out tooth. It could just as easily happen in a friendly game of pickup basketball or backyard football.
A hard impact to the face can completely dislodge a tooth. A knocked-out permanent tooth is a dental emergency because prompt treatment may improve the chances of saving it.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown rather than the root. If possible, gently rinse it without scrubbing and try to place it back into the socket. If that isn’t possible, keep it moist in milk and call your dentist immediately to schedule the first available opening. A child who loses a baby tooth should not have it replanted.
Fractured Teeth
Teeth don’t always get completely knocked loose; sometimes, they’re chipped, cracked, or fractured instead. Minor chips may not require emergency treatment, but a larger fracture can expose sensitive inner tooth structures and increase the risk of complications.
Save any broken pieces if possible and contact your dentist. Avoid chewing on the injured tooth until it has been evaluated.
Tooth Intrusion or Displacement
A strong impact can push a tooth deeper into its socket or cause it to become loose or move out of its normal position. These injuries can damage the tooth’s supporting tissues and should be evaluated promptly.
Don’t try to force a displaced tooth back into place yourself. Contact an emergency dental provider for guidance.
Cuts to Soft Tissues
Sports injuries don’t always damage the teeth themselves. A hard hit can cause significant cuts to the lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue.
Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or cloth to control bleeding. If bleeding is severe or won’t stop, or if there is a serious facial injury, an emergency doctor, not a dentist, should be contacted.
Always Wear a Mouthguard
Many sports-related dental injuries can be prevented with a properly fitted mouthguard. Athletes should wear a mouthguard during practices and games for sports where contact or facial impact is possible.
A custom mouthguard made by a dentist can provide a secure fit and may be more comfortable than a poorly fitting option.
Dental injuries can happen quickly, so athletes and their families should know what to do before an emergency occurs. Don’t delay immediate dental attention if you suffer a knocked-out, displaced, or severely broken permanent tooth. For injuries involving severe facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care. Otherwise, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
About the Practice
If you’ve sustained a dental emergency in the Orange Park, FL area, contact Crovatto & Edwards Family Dentistry as soon as possible! We’ll schedule you to come in the day of your accident and give you care advice by phone to tide you over until your appointment. Once you’re here, you can count on Drs. Steven Crovatto and Megan Edwards to take the very best care of you. Call (904) 272-0800 for assistance or contact us online.