Sports injuries can be a source of dental trauma requiring a root canal to repair the tooth. If you or your child participate in any sports, you may want to consider a dental mouthguard as protection. Dr. Scott Norton is a practicing Endodontist in Louisville, KY who routinely treats sports related dental injuries.
Dr. Norton and his family recently went to an Indianapolis Colts game where he could see first hand how dental injuries are possible through contact sports. Many of the Colts football players wore blue mouthguards as well as helmets with face shields to protect them from dental trauma.
If/when dental trauma does occur, treatment varies depending on the severity and location of the injury. All dental injuries should be examined by a Dentist or Endodontist as soon as possible. In certain situations, adjacent teeth can also be affected and only obvious through a dental exam.
Whether you enjoy sports as an athlete or spectator, it’s always important to be safe and take good care of your teeth. The next time you are watching your favorite sport, stop to see if the players are wearing protective mouth gear. You might just see your favorite athlete wearing a mouthguard in your favorite color.