Athletes push their bodies to the limit, and while most focus on muscle strains, sprains, and other sports-related injuries, dental emergencies are surprisingly common on the field, court, or ice. Whether you’re a professional athlete or just playing for fun, understanding these risks can help you protect your smile and respond quickly when accidents happen.
1. Knocked-Out Teeth
A direct hit to the face from a ball, puck, elbow, or even a fall can completely dislodge a tooth. This is one of the most urgent dental emergencies, as time is critical for saving the tooth. If it happens, gently rinse the tooth (holding it by the crown, not the root) and place it back into the socket if possible. If that’s not an option, store it in milk or a saline solution and get to a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes for the best chance of reattachment.
2. Chipped or Broken Teeth
A chipped tooth might not sound like an emergency, but for athletes, it can happen in an instant and sometimes involves deeper cracks that affect the tooth’s structure. Contact sports like hockey, football, and basketball are especially high-risk. While minor chips can often be smoothed or bonded, larger fractures may require crowns or even root canals if the nerve is exposed.
3. Tooth Intrusion or Displacement
Sometimes a blow to the mouth doesn’t knock a tooth out but instead pushes it deeper into the gum or moves it out of alignment. This is more common in younger athletes whose jawbones are still developing, but it can happen to adults as well. Immediate dental care is crucial to reposition the tooth and prevent long-term damage to the surrounding bone and tissues.
4. Soft Tissue Injuries
Cuts to the lips, cheeks, gums, and tongue are frequent in sports, especially when braces or sharp teeth are involved. While minor bleeding can be managed with pressure and rinsing, deeper lacerations may need stitches. A dentist or oral surgeon can also assess whether there’s underlying tooth or bone damage.
5. Jaw Fractures and Dislocations
High-impact collisions, falls, or blows to the face can cause jaw fractures or dislocations. These injuries are serious, often requiring hospital care and follow-up with an oral and maxillofacial specialist. Signs include severe pain, swelling, misaligned bite, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
Prevention Tips for Athletes
- Wear a mouthguard: A properly fitted mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of dental injuries. Custom-fitted guards offer better comfort and protection than store-bought versions.
- Follow safety rules: Good sportsmanship and adherence to game rules reduce unnecessary contact and accidents.
- Use protective gear: In sports with high facial injury risks, helmets with face cages or shields can prevent many emergencies.
Dental emergencies among athletes are more common than you might think, but many can be prevented with the right gear and quick action when accidents happen. Protecting your teeth is just as important as protecting the rest of your body, so make mouth safety part of your sports routine.
About the Practice
Here at Smile Design Implant Centers, we’re ready to help you deal with the unexpected, including dental emergencies. We have same-day emergency appointments available, so we’ll get you in and quickly tend to your pain and issue. Our friendly and accommodating dental team will take the very best care of you, including sedation options if you’re especially anxious to see the dentist. If you’re in pain, don’t hesitate – schedule your appointment online or call our Reno office at (775) 391-6636.