Sports Dentistry Protecting Your Child’s Smile

Sports dentistry focuses on the prevention and treatment of dental injuries commonly sustained by athletes. Whether your child is playing soccer, basketball, or another sport, it’s crucial to protect their smile—not only for aesthetic reasons but for their overall health as well.

One of the most effective ways to safeguard your child’s teeth and mouth during sports is by wearing a mouthguard. There are different types of mouthguards available, and our team can help you choose the best option tailored to your child’s specific needs and sports activities.

Common Dental Injuries in Sports

Even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen. Here are some common dental injuries that can occur during sports and how to respond:

Tooth Knocked Out

Time is critical when trying to save a knocked-out tooth. The best chance of reimplanting the tooth is within 30 minutes of the injury. Here’s what to do:

• Transport the tooth: The best liquid for preserving the tooth is cold milk. If milk isn’t available, use saliva (if possible), saline solution, or water.
• Avoid drying out the tooth: Don’t wrap the tooth in anything, and don’t let it dry out.
• Don’t touch the root: Handle the tooth by the crown (the part that is normally visible in the mouth) to avoid damaging the root.
• Visit the dentist immediately: Get to our office as soon as possible to have the tooth reimplanted.

Chipped or Cracked Tooth

If your child’s tooth is chipped or cracked, visit our office right away. An X-ray is typically required to determine the extent of the damage and the best course of treatment.

• Minor chips: Sometimes, a small chip can be repaired with a filling or bonding treatment.
• Serious chips: If the chip exposes the tooth’s pulp (the inner tissue), more extensive treatment may be necessary.
• Cracked tooth affecting the nerve: If the crack affects the nerve, a more complicated treatment, such as a root canal, may be required.

Displaced Tooth

A displaced tooth is one that has been moved from its natural position due to trauma.

• Seek dental care immediately: It’s important to see the dentist as soon as possible.
• Don’t try to reposition the tooth: Avoid attempting to move the tooth back into place on your own, as this could cause further damage.
• Relieve discomfort: If your child is in pain before seeing the dentist, apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and discomfort.

Protecting Your Child’s Smile with A Mouthguard

The best way to prevent these injuries is by using a custom-fitted mouthguard. Whether your child is playing contact sports or activities where falls are likely, a mouthguard can absorb shock and protect their teeth, gums, and jaw from serious damage. Contact our office so we can help ensure the mouthguard fits properly for optimal protection.