Sports Dentistry

Sports dentistry is the prevention and treatment of dental injuries and related oral diseases, as well as the sharing of information and equipment designed to help protect the teeth, mouth, jaw, and face of athletes of all ages. Injuries to the teeth and mouth are common among athletes. It's important to protect your child's smile if he or she plays sports, for aesthetics as well as health reasons.

Common Dental Injuries in Sports

Tooth knocked out (avulsed):

  • Time is the most important factor when trying to save a tooth, so get to your dentist as soon as possible. In general, there is a 30-minute window of opportunity to re-implant the tooth in the socket.

  • The best liquid to transport a tooth in is cold milk. If milk is not available, use saliva (if possible), saline, or if nothing else is available, water.

  • Do not let the tooth dry out and do not wrap it in anything.

  • Do not touch the tooth root if you can avoid it.

Tooth chipped/cracked:

  • Your dentist will likely take an X-ray of the tooth to determine the treatment necessary.

  • For a serious chip that exposes the pulp of the tooth, get to your dentist as soon as possible.

  • If a tooth is chipped or cracked, sometimes the tooth can be fixed with a filling or bonding alone.

  • Sometimes a tooth is cracked or chipped in a way affecting the nerve of the tooth, and a more complicated treatment may be needed.

Tooth displaced:

  • If a tooth is moved due to trauma, see your dentist as soon as possible.

  • Do not try to move the tooth back on your own.

  • For any mouth discomfort before you get to the dentist, apply ice.

Preventing Injury

One of the best ways to prevent injury to your child's teeth and mouth is to have him or her wear a mouthguard while playing sports. There are several types of mouthguards to choose from, and your doctor can help you choose the best one for your child's particular needs.

Mouthguards for Athletes

Although human teeth are solidly embedded in bone, they can be forcefully knocked out or broken off very easily. Any blow to the face, applied with adequate force, can dislodge a tooth or several teeth or break teeth off. When teeth are knocked out, they can be replaced back into the mouth, but the success of this technique is only fair. The best decision for you is to prevent breaking or knocking out teeth. Mouthguards should be worn by anyone participating in sports that have the potential to provide a forceful blow to the oral area. There are three types of mouthguards available:

  • Stock Mouthguards: These are readily available in stores, but their value is minimal. Although these guards are relatively inexpensive, the protection they provide is questionable.

  • “Boil and Bite” Mouthguards: These guards are of minimal value, but they may be somewhat better than no guard at all.

  • Custom-Made Mouthguards: Your dentist can make a mouthguard that fits just your mouth. These mouth guards are highly superior to the previous two types and can protect teeth well.

Get an adequate mouthguard before it is too late!