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Dental Injuries in School Sports and What to Do About Them

Sep 18th, 2024

As the new school year kicks off, students everywhere are lacing up their cleats, tightening their helmet straps, and getting ready for another season of school sports. From football to basketball, soccer to field hockey, the excitement of competition is in the air. But with all the excitement and physical activity comes the risk of injuries—dental injuries being among the most common, yet often overlooked, ones.

While we often focus on sprained ankles and broken bones, dental injuries in school sports can be just as severe often requiring an immediate trip to a nearby dentist for emergency dental treatment. An injured tooth during a game can leave a lifelong impact—not just on a child’s smile, but on their overall oral health. Let’s dive into how these injuries happen, why they matter, and what you can do to keep your young athlete’s smile safe this school year.

The Reality of Dental Injuries in School Sports

Imagine this: your child is running down the soccer field, eyes on the ball, ready to score the winning goal. Suddenly, there’s a collision, and your child comes up clutching their mouth, tears streaming down their face. In the heat of the game, a stray elbow, a misplaced knee, or even a hard fall can result in chipped, cracked, or even knocked-out teeth.

Dental injuries in sports are more common than you might think. According to a study athletes are more than two times more likely to sustain damage to their teeth when not wearing a mouthguard. These injuries can range from minor chips to more severe cases like fractured jaws or avulsed (knocked-out) teeth. The consequences are not just immediate pain and discomfort; they can lead to long-term dental issues, costly treatments, and even impact a child’s self-esteem.

Common Dental Injuries in Sports

  • Chipped or Fractured Teeth: This is one of the most frequent injuries, often resulting from a direct impact to the mouth. While a small chip might be a minor cosmetic dental concern that may require dental bonding, a larger fracture can affect the tooth’s structure and nerve.
  • Dislodged or Knocked-Out Teeth: More severe impacts can partially or completely dislodge a tooth. A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency, requiring immediate attention to save the tooth. If the tooth can’t be saved a dental implant may eventually be needed once the child becomes an adult.
  • Root Fractures: Sometimes, the tooth might appear intact on the surface, but a fracture can occur at the root level, potentially leading to long-term complications.
  • Jaw Injuries: Direct blows to the jaw can result in fractures or dislocations, leading to pain, difficulty chewing, and even changes in the alignment of the teeth.

Prevention: The Best Defense is a Good Offense

While dental injuries can happen in any sport, some are riskier than others. High-contact sports like football, hockey, basketball, and even soccer have higher instances of dental trauma. The good news? Most of these injuries are preventable.

1. Mouthguards: The MVP of Dental Protection

Mouthguards are the single most effective way to prevent dental injuries in sports. They act as a cushion, absorbing the impact and distributing the force evenly across your child’s teeth and jaw. This is why our dental office in Newburyport offers custom mouthguards.

Here are the types of mouthguards to consider:

  • Stock Mouthguards: These are pre-formed and ready to wear. While they offer some protection, they might not fit as well and can be bulky.
  • Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: Available at most sporting goods stores, these mouthguards are softened in boiling water and then molded to the shape of your child’s mouth. They offer a better fit than stock mouthguards.
  • Custom-Fitted Mouthguards: These are made by a dentist specifically for your child’s mouth. They offer the best fit and protection, making them the top choice for serious athletes.

2. Helmet and Face Masks

For sports like football, hockey, and lacrosse, helmets and face masks are essential. They not only protect against concussions but also help shield the mouth and jaw from direct blows. Ensure your child’s helmet is properly fitted and that face masks are securely attached.

3. Education and Awareness

Educating young athletes about the importance of dental protection is crucial. Make sure they understand why wearing a mouthguard and proper gear is as important as any other part of their uniform. Coaches and parents should reinforce this message regularly.

What to Do in Case of a Dental Injury

Despite the best preventive measures, accidents can still happen. Here’s what to do if your child sustains a dental injury:

  • Chipped or Fractured Tooth: Rinse the mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any broken pieces of the tooth if possible and visit the dentist as soon as possible.
  • Knocked-Out Tooth: If a tooth is completely knocked out, try to place it back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, store it in milk or a tooth preservation product and get to the dentist immediately. Time is critical in saving a knocked-out tooth.
  • Jaw Injury: If you suspect a jaw fracture, immobilize the jaw with a bandage tied around the head and under the jaw, and seek immediate medical attention.

Setting Up for a Winning Season

The start of the school year is an exciting time, filled with anticipation for the sports season ahead. By taking the right precautions, you can help ensure that the memories made on the field or court are positive ones, free from the worry of dental injuries and extra trips to our Newburyport dental office. Equip your young athlete with the right protective gear, educate them on the importance of dental safety, and ensure regular dental check-ups to keep that winning smile shining bright.

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Here at Paul Mathew, D.D.S. we work diligently to protect our patients' privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has identified as electronically protected healthcare information or ePHI. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the "I agree" box, and electronically making an appointment request, you acknowledge that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Paul Mathew, D.D.S. will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may illegally intercept this communication. By accepting these terms and conditions and sending this request via our Internet portal, you accept the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. If you do not accept the terms and conditions, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

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Here at Paul Mathew, D.D.S. we work diligently to protect our patients' privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has identified as electronically protected healthcare information or ePHI. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the "I agree" box, and electronically making an appointment request, you acknowledge that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Paul Mathew, D.D.S. will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may illegally intercept this communication. By accepting these terms and conditions and sending this request via our Internet portal, you accept the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. If you do not accept the terms and conditions, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

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The information presented here is not intended or implied to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should be used for informational purposes only.