Each year, millions of athletes opt to not wear mouthguards despite playing a sport or participating in a hobby that could lead to a dental emergency. Research has shown that this is incredibly risky, as athletes who don’t wear protective sportsguards are between 48 and 59 percent more likely to suffer a dental injury. If you’re an athlete, the best way to preserve your smile is to put your mind at ease knowing that your grin is well protected. Read below to learn the top three dental emergencies among athletes and how you can protect your grin from them.
1. Knocked-Out Tooth
The average tooth can withstand up to 30,000 pounds, making them stronger than all of the bones in your body! Despite this, impact and dental trauma during contact sports is one of the top causes for knocked-out teeth. In some cases, teeth can be re-planted within their sockets by an emergency dentist; however, it can take some time before this process can be determined as successful, the roots will need time to re-attach to the jawbone. In cases where this process isn’t possible, your dentist may recommend a tooth replacement treatment like a dental bridge or implant crown.
2. Fractured Roots
When a ball or body part comes into contact with your mouth at the right angle and momentum, it can lead to a fractured tooth root, which is the second most common dental emergency. With time, a cracked root can migrate to the crown of the tooth, establishing a fissure for bacteria and other debris to become trapped in, leading to infection and sometimes pain. In some cases, this can be treated with a root canal. However, if the damage is beyond repair, a tooth extraction may be necessary.
3. Chipped Tooth
Chipped teeth are also an incredibly common dental concern among athletes. A simple tumble or impact to the mouth can cause a tooth to chip, leading to sensitivity and discomfort. Fortunately, in many cases, these issues can be handled quickly with a minimally invasive treatment called dental bonding.
Protecting Your Teeth While You’re in the Game
The best way to prevent these three common dental emergencies among athletes is to wear a customized mouthguard and the proper protective gear. Although you can purchase store-bought sportsguards, these often don’t fit the mouth properly, as they’re not professionally crafted based on your unique dental structure. As a result, they can be uncomfortable to wear as well as not offer the best protection. Although a custom mouthguard will have a higher up-front cost, it will likely help you save thousands in potential dental emergency bills!
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq Hirji has over a decade of experience practicing emergency dentistry, as well as years of unique training in a wide range of specialties. As a result, he’s able to offer virtually every procedure you may need under one convenient roof, including sedation dentistry, to help you feel more comfortable during your dental emergency. For questions or to schedule an urgent appointment, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur Dental & Orthodontics’ website or call 972-546-4114.