Whether you’re a professional or recreational athlete, it’s easy to sustain a sports-related tooth injury. You are more likely to suffer a tooth injury when you are playing a sport that exposes your head to a lot of blunt force if you do not protect your head and mouth with a helmet, mouth guard, or other preventative armor. Regardless of whether you are a young or seasoned athlete, protecting your mouth while playing sports can help keep your teeth healthy and safe. Keep an eye out for the following tooth injuries both on and off the playing field.
Broken or chipped teeth
It is possible to chip or break a tooth as a result of something as simple as a forceful clamp down on the jaw or as complex as a head injury. It is likely that you will experience a dull or aching pain if your tooth is chipped or broken. If you are experiencing pain, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist or an endodontist as soon as possible. You should wear the appropriate headwear during games in order to prevent broken teeth. When players come into contact with another player, a mouth guard can prevent them from biting down too hard. Additionally, they provide players with an opportunity to keep their tongues out of harm’s way while playing.
Fractured Teeth
When a player encounters a fractured tooth during a game, it can be extremely painful. Fractures of teeth can also occur when sudden pressure is applied to a specific area of the mouth, creating more pressure than the tooth and root can handle. In most cases, you will be aware of a fractured tooth immediately. You can repair your fractured tooth by visiting your dentist, who will insert a filling or, in more serious cases, a crown.
Tooth Loss
In sports, tooth avulsion, or the knocking out of a tooth, is one of the most dreaded dental injuries. While this is a common, and even expected, condition for young players whose adult teeth have not yet fully developed, it requires much more serious dental attention for adults. It can be easy to lose a tooth in high-contact sports like football, soccer, or wrestling, especially if protective headgear isn’t worn. Players who lose a tooth should see a dentist or endodontist right away to prevent further pain or injury.
Seek Out Treatment
Have you suffered a dental injury while playing sports? Get in touch with our endodontic office today to schedule an appointment and find out how we can help.