If you enjoy playing sports, you’ve probably spent a lot of time training, conditioning, and perfecting your skill set. This also includes injury prevention; after all, you can’t compete if you aren’t at 100%! But did you know that athletes also commonly experience dental emergencies that can potentially sideline them? In fact, research estimates that about 39% of all dental injuries are sports-related! Here’s more about some of the most common dental emergencies that athletes experience, along with some useful tips for preventing them from occurring in the first place.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies That Athletes Experience
Anyone, whether they’re an athlete or not, can experience a dental emergency; however, athletes are generally the most at risk. That said, here are the most common dental emergencies associated with sports:
- Chipped or cracked teeth – One accidental blow to the face is all it takes to end up with a chipped or cracked tooth. These injuries also have the capability to worsen over time, resulting in severe discomfort and an increased risk of oral infection. It might also lead to pain when biting as well as temperature sensitivity.
- Fractured roots – Just because the roots of your teeth are under your gumline, it doesn’t mean they’re immune from sustaining damage from sports injuries. Since this damage isn’t noticeable to the naked eye, it’s imperative that you seek treatment if you’re noticing oral pain and swelling.
- Tooth intrusion – Teeth can sometimes be driven back into the jawbone with enough forceful impact. These intrusions can lead to all kinds of complications and should be addressed swiftly.
- Displaced teeth – It’s estimated that around 5 million teeth are knocked out of mouths every year, and many of these instances unfold in the middle of a sports match! If this happens to you, it’s important to locate the tooth and bring it with you to your dentist, to give it the best chance of being replaced.
Tips for Preventing Dental Emergencies During Athletics
Fortunately, you don’t have to live in fear of experiencing a dental emergency while playing sports; there are many ways you can protect your smile! Consider the following tips:
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene; a clean mouth is far less likely to experience dental emergencies!
- Avoid poor oral habits such as smoking, using your teeth as tools, or biting into hard objects like fingernails. If you’re a fan of sunflower seeds in the dugout, be mindful of their hard shells!
- Wear a custom-made athletic mouthguard; these devices are instrumental in preventing dental emergencies that result from facial trauma by redistributing the force of the hit across the whole mouth.
- If your sport calls for it, wear a sturdy helmet with a faceguard.
- Schedule routine dental checkups every six months.
When it comes to avoiding dental emergencies, especially in the sporting world, prevention is key. By keeping these tips in mind and knowing the inherent danger that certain activities pose to your smile, you can ensure that your pearly whites remain bright, beautiful, and inside your mouth!
About the Author
Dr. Deidra L. Harrison-McClain received her dental degree from the Meharry Medical College in Nashville and is thrilled to bring an exceptional level of care to patients and families in the Goodlettsville community. Her practice offers a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options. They also offer emergency dentistry. If you or a loved one has sustained an emergency and you’re in need of assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the practice today for assistance. Telephone: (615) 819-1644.