3 Common Dental Emergencies Among Athletes

With temperatures heating up and the summer sports season about to kick off, it’s time to start thinking about protecting your smile. The good news is that many accidental injuries to the mouth are usually preventable by wearing a sports guard or mouthguard. However, if the unthinkable happens on the field this summer, don’t panic. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies among athletes, and what you should do if they happen to you!

Fractured Roots

Fractured roots can be especially difficult to treat because they can be hard to detect. That’s because instead of the tooth breaking above the gumline where it’s visible, it breaks underneath the surface in the roots of the tooth. In addition to causing pain, the fracture can also gradually spread upward. In many cases, patients may not even realize there’s a problem until the tooth becomes infected and needs a root canal or extraction. Thus, it is very important to be seen by your emergency dentist after suffering a blow to the mouth to rule out any unseen injuries that could get much worse with time.

Cracked Teeth

Although in many cases, cracks in the teeth are easy to see, this isn’t always the case. This again underscores the importance of seeing your emergency dentist following any oral trauma. If your tooth does become cracked, your dentist may be able to repair it with a dental crown or filling. In some severe cases, you may need a root canal or extraction. If this occurs, your dentist can then discuss your options for replacement once your mouth has healed.

Repairing a cracked tooth is very important, even if you can’t see the damage. This is because harmful oral bacteria can infiltrate the space, increasing the risk of infection and further damage.

Tooth Intrusion

Although it is very common to have a tooth knocked out or broken while playing sports, in some cases they can be pushed back into the jawbone. This is known as an intrusion. Although it can happen at any age, this type of injury occurs more often with baby teeth, because children’s alveolar bones (where the tooth sockets are located) are not as solid as adults.

Intrusions can cause a variety of painful damage, including:

• Destruction of the tooth pulp by necrosis or being damaged beyond recovery.
• Root resorption or a shortening of the tooth’s roots.
• Ankylosis, where the injured tooth’s roots fuse to the alveolar bone.

The Importance of Protective Sports Gear

Thankfully, many sports leagues now require participants to wear protective oral gear such as sports mouthguards, but for those that don’t, think of them just as you would any other type of protection, such as a helmet or wrist guards and wear one even if it’s not mandated. Available from a dentist or in many sporting goods stores, these devices can absorb the impact of an accidental blunt force injury to the mouth, thereby preventing or greatly reducing the severity of injuries.

Whether it’s visible or not, if you have experienced an accidental injury or blow to the mouth, don’t wait to get help. Contact your emergency dentist as soon as possible. Many practices offer same-day appointments for urgent dental issues, helping alleviate pain and protecting your teeth from further problems that can worsen with time.

About Our Practice

At Bristol Family Dental, we understand that accidents happen! That’s why we’re proud to offer emergency dental services and same-day appointments. Don’t let painful sports injuries ruin your beautiful smile, call us as soon as possible at 860-589-2794 for urgent care and get back your healthy, happy grin! For non-urgent questions or appointments, visit our website for more information.