Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a student-athlete, or a professional competitor, participating in sports comes with a risk of injury, including injuries to your teeth and mouth. Contact sports like football, basketball, hockey, and soccer are common culprits, but even non-contact activities can result in accidental falls or collisions.
Knowing how to recognize and respond to a dental emergency can help protect your smile and may even save a damaged tooth. Here are 4 of the most common dental emergencies among athletes.
1. Knocked-Out Teeth
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most serious dental emergencies. A direct blow to the face can completely dislodge a permanent tooth from its socket, but quick action can sometimes save it.
If a tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface), avoiding contact with the root. If possible, gently rinse it with water and try placing it back into the socket. If that isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk or saliva and contact an emergency dentist immediately.
The sooner treatment begins—ideally within an hour—the greater the chance the tooth can be successfully replanted.
2. Chipped or Broken Teeth
Not every sports injury results in a knocked-out tooth. Many athletes experience chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth after being struck by a ball, elbow, stick, or another player.
Even a small chip should be evaluated by a dentist, as cracks can sometimes extend deeper into the tooth than they appear. Depending on the severity of the damage, treatment may include cosmetic bonding, a dental crown, a veneer, or root canal therapy if the tooth’s inner pulp has been affected.
Prompt treatment helps prevent additional damage and restores both function and appearance.
3. Soft Tissue Injuries
The lips, cheeks, gums, and tongue are especially vulnerable during athletic activities. Falls or collisions can cause cuts, punctures, or lacerations that may bleed heavily.
Rinse the area gently with clean water and apply pressure using clean gauze or a cloth to help stop the bleeding. A cold compress can reduce swelling and discomfort. If the bleeding is severe or doesn’t stop after several minutes of firm pressure, seek immediate medical attention.
Your dentist can also evaluate the injury to determine whether additional treatment is necessary.
4. Jaw Injuries
A hard impact to the face can cause jaw pain, swelling, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, or changes in the way your teeth fit together. These symptoms may indicate a jaw fracture or another serious injury that requires prompt evaluation.
If you suspect a broken jaw, stabilize it as much as possible using a soft bandage or towel and seek emergency medical care immediately. Once any serious injuries have been addressed, your dentist can evaluate your teeth for additional damage resulting from the trauma.
If you or your child participates in sports, don’t wait until an injury occurs to think about dental protection. And if a dental emergency does happen, seek professional care as quickly as possible. While accidents can’t always be prevented, wearing a properly fitted mouthguard is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of sports-related dental injuries.
About the Author
Dr. Clark Oakey earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Oklahoma University College of Dentistry. Since graduating, he has kept learning through continuing education courses and has become a Fellow with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and obtained Fellowship status with the California Implant Institute. Dr. Oakey is also an active member in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the Academy of Osseointegration. If you’ve suffered a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us online or by phone at our Mustang office at (405) 353-1388.