It’s impossible to predict dental emergencies—they can happen at any time or in any place, and they often have a knack for occurring out of the blue and when you least expect it. This is especially true for athletes; in fact, studies show that roughly 39% of all dental injuries are sports-related! This means that if you partake in sports or stay active, you should be sure that you’re properly protecting your pearly whites. Here’s more from your emergency dentist about some of the most common dental injuries that athletes experience, along with some tips for preventing future incidents from sidelining you.
Common Dental Injuries Among Athletes
It’s worth noting that anybody—whether they’re an athlete or not—can experience a dental emergency; however, athletes are often at an increased risk of experiencing certain issues! Here are some of the most common injuries that they encounter:
- Fractured teeth – Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth can worsen over time and lead to severe discomfort as well as oral infection. It can also cause temperature sensitivity and pain when biting. It should be addressed by your dentist quickly.
- Fractured roots – The roots of your teeth beneath your gumline are quite susceptible to injury, and the damage caused often isn’t noticeable at first. If you notice any swelling coupled with oral pain, visit your dentist to have them take a look before things can worsen.
- Displaced teeth – This is perhaps the most common dental emergency, and it’s estimated that around 5 million teeth are knocked out of mouths every single year, often during contact sports! If this happens to you or an athlete you know, be sure to locate the tooth and bring it to the emergency appointment to give it the best odds of being replaced.
- Tooth intrusions – With enough force, a tooth can actually be pushed back down into the jawbone, and these intrusions can cause all sorts of issues if left unaddressed.
Preventing Future Dental Emergencies During Sports
You don’t have to hang up your gloves or throw in the towel due to concerns about dental emergencies; with proper preparation and a little knowledge, you can easily protect your smile whenever it’s game time. Here are some tips to help you out:
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing every single day, as a healthy 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—or sunflower seeds in the dugout.
- Wear a custom-made athletic mouthguard; these devices redistribute the force of an impact across the whole mouth, which can help to prevent dental injuries. They’re quintessential in protecting teeth from sports-related injuries.
- If your sport requires helmets, wear one with a sturdy faceguard.
- Schedule routine checkups with your dentist every six months.
About the Practice
The team at Webster Dental Associates of Manchester is thrilled to serve patients and families in the area under the leadership of Dr. Mohammad Golparvar. They offer a wide range of preventative, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency dentistry for all of your urgent needs. If you or a loved one is suffering from a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact the practice swiftly! Telephone: (603) 932-6791.