Sporty Smiles – 4 Dental Emergencies That Tend to Affect Athletes

You’ve probably seen a photo or two of a football or hockey player smiling with a gap-toothed grin. As it turns out, there’s a reason for that – sports can be brutal on teeth! If you or a loved one are athletic, it’s definitely a good idea to invest in a mouthguard for your precious pearly whites. But no one would blame you for being curious about what types of dental emergencies the pros tend to encounter. If you’re eager to know, keep reading!

1.     Fractures and Chips

This might be the first kind of dental injury you think of when it comes to sports. Teeth are pretty strong – in fact, enamel is the toughest substance in the human body. But a high-impact collision with a rival player or the ground could still easily result in damage!

In the case of severe breakage, a dentist will most likely restore and protect the tooth with a crown. Otherwise, a filling or dental bonding can be used to fill in cracks and keep bacteria out.

2.     Damaged Roots

Though less common, it’s also possible for dental roots themselves to become damaged. Typically, what happens is a forceful blow creates a chip or crack so deep that it disturbs the root.

You already know what a dentist is likely to do for dental damage, but what about compromised roots? Well, it might be necessary to perform a root canal! Otherwise, the decayed material could cause an infection.

3.     Knocked Out Teeth

If you’ve seen how fast a baseball or hockey puck can fly, maybe it’s not so surprising that athletes tend to lose their teeth! They may also get a cut or bruise along with their knocked-out pearly whites.

After the excitement of the game is over, a dentist would recommend replacing the tooth. Dental implants are considered the best replacement option to-date, but dentures and bridges offer reliable solutions as well.

4.     Tooth Intrusion

Perhaps the most alarming thing that can happen to an athlete’s teeth is tooth intrusion. Instead of getting knocked out of their mouth, a hard impact can drive the pearly white back into the jawbone.

In addition to causing significant discomfort, tooth intrusion can cause infections, shorten the dental root, and cause bone damage. A dentist will try to save the tooth, but sometimes it’s necessary to extract it entirely.

Conclusion

By their very nature, the oral accidents that these players can experience are unexpected. That’s why it pays to be prepared with a mouthguard. Even if your or your loved one’s preferred activity isn’t high impact, a mouthguard can protect your smile from slips by the pool or bad falls. Check in with your dentist about your preventative options and get ready to play ball!

About the Author

Dr. Jeramiah Paylor earned his dental degree from the University of Colorado and has advanced training with dental implant restorations. He loves being able to protect and restore his patients’ smiles with quality dentistry, and if you’re experiencing a dental emergency, he’ll try to see you as soon as possible for prompt treatment. To contact his office and request a same-day emergency appointment, call 720-776-4900.