Sports Dentistry

Sports dentistry is a vital practice that prevents and treats dental injuries and oral diseases in athletes. This includes providing equipment to protect their teeth, mouth, jaw, and face. Athletes of all ages benefit from this. It’s amazing how common injuries to the teeth and mouth are among athletes. As a parent, it’s admirable to prioritize your child’s smile and overall health by ensuring they have proper protection during sports activities.

Common Dental Injuries in Sports

Tooth Knocked Out:

  • It’s crucial to act quickly when trying to save a tooth, so head to your dentist as soon as possible. Ideally, you have a 30-minute window to re-implant the tooth in the socket.
    Whatever you do, don’t try to re-implant the tooth yourself.
  • Cold milk is the best option to transport the tooth, but if that’s not available, use saliva (if you can), saline, or water.
  • Avoid letting the tooth dry out and don’t wrap it in anything.
  • Finally, try not to touch the tooth root if possible.

Tooth Chipped/Cracked:

  • To determine the necessary treatment, your dentist may use an X-ray of the affected tooth.
  • If the chip is serious and exposes the pulp, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible.
  • Depending on the severity of the chip or crack, a filling or bonding may be sufficient to fix the tooth.
  • If the crack or chip affects the nerve of the tooth, a more complicated treatment may be necessary.

Tooth Displaced:

  • If you experience trauma that causes a tooth to move, it’s important to see your dentist right away.
  • Don’t attempt to move the tooth back into place yourself.
  • In the meantime, if you experience any mouth discomfort, applying ice can help alleviate the pain until you can see your dentist.

Preventing Injury

Protecting your child’s teeth and mouth during sports is key. Mouthguards are a great solution to prevent injury. Luckily, there are several types to choose from. With the help of your doctor, you can select the best one for your child’s needs.

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