Whether you participate in contact sports or competitive athletic activities, you’ll want to be careful to protect yourself as well as your smile. One wrong move and you can end up taking a ball to the mouth or falling face first—both of which can seriously injure your teeth. While there are various dental emergencies that athletes might encounter, there are also several measures you can take to protect your oral health. Keep reading to learn about some of the common urgent situations to look out for and how you can prevent an emergency.
Knocked-Out Tooth
While your pearly whites are held sturdily in place due to your gums and jawbone, it doesn’t mean they’re invulnerable to injury. Taking an accidental elbow to the face or a ball to the mouth can easily cause one of your teeth to become dislodged or knocked out. This is perhaps one of the most serious dental emergencies as you’ll only have an hour or less for the highest chance of saving your tooth.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Even if you don’t knock out one of your teeth, you can still be at risk of getting them chipped, cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged due to an injury. If a tooth gets slightly dislodged, you’ll need to have it secured in place by splinting it to a nearby healthy tooth while it heals. Mildly chipped teeth might not always be painful, but they can put your soft oral tissues at risk of injury or even raise your chances of bacteria and infection.
Decayed Tooth
Some dental emergencies can arise due to oral health issues that build over time. For instance, breathing through your mouth often during exercises or sports can easily introduce bacteria to your smile. You can even develop a dry mouth, which can place your teeth and gums at risk of germ accumulation. Additionally, sports beverages often contain lots of sugar, and drinking them to stay hydrated increases the risk of bacteria and cavities later on.
Ways to Prevent Dental Emergencies
If you typically engage in contact sports, one of the best ways to prevent dental emergencies and protect your teeth is to wear custom mouthguards. These oral appliances can provide a cushion for your smile, especially if you have a higher likelihood of getting hit in the face. Be sure to also drink plenty of water to remain hydrated instead of sports drinks. Of course, brushing and flossing your teeth daily can minimize the risk of bacteria and decay.
You should feel free to enjoy your favorite athletic activities without the worry of experiencing a dental emergency. By being mindful of these tips, you can keep your pearly whites safer and healthier in the long run.
About the Author
As a member of several professional organizations, Dr. Eric Buck wants to ensure every patient gets the effective dental care they deserve. He also provides emergency dentistry to help those who are struggling with decayed or damaged teeth, and he is more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have. If you’re experiencing an urgent dental situation and need to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call us at 614-792-1800 so we can help.