As an athlete, injury certainly comes with the territory, which is why those who play sports competitively are automatically more likely to experience dental damage. Thankfully, an emergency dentist can restore your smile back to its full health and beauty. Because dental emergencies can never be completely prevented, it’s important for athletes to understand the ways they put their teeth at risk. Read on to learn about the 3 most common types of dental injuries that can occur during sports and what you can do next to save your smile.
#1. Cracked Teeth
The most common type of dental emergency that can happen during sports is cracked teeth. This usually occurs when an athlete experiences a blow to the face. Notably, the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation (NYSSF) estimates that players who don’t wear protective mouthguards are 60 times more likely to have cracked teeth during sports. Unfortunately, these injuries can cause long term issues if left untreated, which is why it’s vital to contact your dentist immediately if you crack your tooth. In some cases, your dentist may be able to repair it, but if it’s too damaged, you might need an extraction.
#2. Fractured Tooth Roots
Sports injuries don’t always happen in the crown or visible part of the tooth. If you experience a blow to the jaw or face from the wrong angle, your tooth roots can fracture. This occurs when a fracture at the beginning of your tooth roots travels up to the visible portion of your smile. Fractures are often invisible, so you may not even notice there is an issue until an infection develops. Remember that the severity of this injury will depend on the specific area of the root that gets fractured. Plus, the sooner you get root canal therapy or other necessary treatments, the less likely you’ll have to get the entire tooth extracted.
#3. Tooth Intrusion
Knocked-out teeth may first come to mind when thinking of a sports injury, but it’s also possible for them to get forced back into the jaw. This type of injury is called intrusion, and it is more common among primary (baby) teeth than permanent ones. This is because the alveolar bones, which hold the sockets, are not all the way hardened compared to adults.
Sports injuries can have long-term effects on your oral and overall wellbeing if they’re not treated swiftly. Now that you know about the most common types of dental emergencies that can occur from physical activity, make sure you contact your dentist as soon as you notice a problem to stay safe and healthy.