Playing a sport is an excellent way to stay fit, build strength, and even improve hand-eye coordination. But unfortunately, it can also be an easy means to damage your teeth. In fact, according to the Oral Health Foundation, sports-related injuries account for between 13 and 39 percent of all dental emergencies. If you’ve ever wondered ‘what are the most common dental emergencies when playing sports?’, here’s a closer look at three, and how you can protect you or your family from experiencing them!
Broken Roots
Taking a direct hit to the face while playing sports can cause a variety of tooth damage, but not all of it will be visible. In fact, if the impact occurs at a certain angle, it can fracture the hidden portion known as the root. Worse still, because it’s below the gumline, you may never realize there’s an issue until it develops an infection or the fracture makes its way up the tooth until it’s visible. Thus, it is important to visit your dentist following this type of oral trauma to rule out any damage that is undetectable to the naked eye, as root canal therapy may be necessary.
Tooth Intrusion
Intrusion is a term used when instead of being knocked out, a tooth is forced back into the jawbone. Although possible at any age, this type of injury is more common in kids, because their alveolar bones are still soft making their baby teeth easier to jam into them. Unfortunately, in addition to the pain caused by this type of injury, intrusion can also increase your child’s risk of root resorption (where the tooth’s roots shorten), ankylosis (where the tooth’s root fuses to the alveolar bone) and pulp damage.
Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth are very common sports injuries and occur when the tooth splits at the crown and the damage travels downward. Besides a visible fracture, symptoms include pain when chewing or that comes and goes, sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages, and missing sections of enamel or exposed inner layers of the tooth. In some cases, cracks can be repaired with a filling, crown, or dental bonding; however, if they extend below the gumline, this is considered a cuspal fracture, which may require either a root canal or complete extraction to prevent it from becoming infected.
How to Protect Your Smile While Playing Sports
While it’s true that sports-related injuries can be very common, they’re also easily preventable. A professionally made mouthguard from your dentist is a comfortable, effective way to protect your teeth and gums from injuries on the field, in the gym, or during any other physical activity. To learn more about these devices and have one made to keep your own smile safe, schedule a consultation with your dentist today.
Remember, dental emergencies are extremely common among athletes, and getting the care you need promptly could prevent your risk of tooth loss and infection. So, if you or your child experiences any trauma to the mouth, even if your teeth appear to be fine, contact your emergency dentist for an urgent visit. They’ll be happy to check out your smile and make sure there are no hidden injuries lurking within the teeth or below the gumline, so you can have a healthy, happy, gorgeous grin that’s as strong as you are!
About Our Practice
At Spruce Ridge Dental, Dr. Alaa Musbah and Dr. Hanin Musbah understand that accidents happen, which is why we’re pleased to offer same-day help for dental emergencies. If you have sustained an injury to the mouth or tooth, don’t wait for it to get worse! Safeguard your smile against accidental sports-related damage by calling 780-962-5538 for urgent assistance.