As temperatures soar, so does our excitement for outdoor activities. But amidst the fun, it’s crucial to consider our dental health. Many popular summer sports pose risks to our teeth and gums. Whether you’re cycling, swimming, or playing soccer, protecting your smile is essential. Today, we are going to explore practical tips to safeguard your dental well-being while enjoying the summer games. Let’s make this season memorable for all the right reasons!

Types of Dental Injuries in Sports

Cracked Teeth in Athletes: When athletes face an impact to their face, they might end up with a cracked or fractured tooth. Sometimes, you’ll just see fine lines known as “craze lines” on the tooth’s enamel. These are minor and generally don’t threaten your dental health. But, a real worry is a crack that starts at the top of the tooth and works its way down. This can indicate a serious crack. This can cause sharp pain when biting, sporadic tooth pain, or discomfort with temperature changes. Cracked teeth might not always be visible, so sometimes, you only find out at your dental check-up.

Fractured Roots: Taking a hit from a certain angle can lead to a fractured root, which is different from surface cracks. These start below, at the root, and may reach up to the visible part of the tooth. Often hidden, a fractured root might only come to light once an infection sets in, depending on where the break is on the root. Quick endodontic treatment can prevent worse outcomes like tooth loss due to pulp necrosis.

Tooth Intrusion: While most think of teeth being knocked out in sports, some impacts can actually drive the teeth inward into the jawbone, known as intrusion. This is more typical in children but can affect any athlete. The trauma can lead to several issues such as pulp necrosis, root shortening, or even the tooth fusing with the jawbone, sidelining athletes for significant periods.

Mouthguards Can Protect Teeth During Sports

Wearing a mouthguard is essential if you’re engaging in sports with potential impacts from bats, balls, sticks, or other players. It’s a simple way to shield your top teeth during a game and help prevent injuries like cut lips and broken teeth. Generally, a mouthguard lasts for the duration of a sports season.

Let’s explore the three main types of mouthguard:

Stock Mouthguards are the readymade variety, available straight out of the box. They are budget-friendly but often lack a precise fit, which can compromise comfort and protection.

Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards involve a bit of DIY. You heat a preformed piece of plastic in boiling water and then bite into it to shape it around your teeth. This method offers a more personalized fit than stock options and is widely available at sports retailers.

Custom-Made Mouthguards are crafted by a sports dentist or in a dental lab, these mouthguards start with an impression of your teeth to create a perfect fit tailored specifically for your mouth. Though they are the priciest option, their superior fit and protection make them a worthwhile investment for serious athletes.

Choosing the right mouthguard means weighing cost against comfort and the level of protection you need. Custom mouthguards, while more expensive, provide the best overall safety and comfort, making them a top choice for athletes in contact sports. Beyond just mouthguards however, there are other preventive measures. In some sports it is appropriate to wear helmets and face cages.

What to do in an Emergency Dental Situation

Acting swiftly and knowledgeably after a dental mishap can greatly impact recovery, potentially saving teeth and preventing further complications:

For Tooth Fractures: Begin by carefully rinsing your mouth with warm water to remove any debris. After this, apply a cold compress externally on the cheek or lips over the broken tooth. This should help reduce swelling and relieve pain. If you find pieces of the fractured tooth, save them in a clean container and bring them to your dentist. It’s crucial to seek immediate dental care as timely intervention can sometimes save the tooth and prevent infection.

For a Knocked-Out Tooth: First handle the tooth by the crown. This is the part that is visible in the mouth, not the root. This minimizes damage to the cells necessary for reattachment. Rinse the tooth gently under water to remove dirt or debris, but don’t scrub it. If possible, reinsert the tooth into its socket immediately. Why? Well, this increases the chances of saving the tooth. Although it may seem gross, if reinsertion isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a container of milk or your saliva which could help preserve the living cells. Visit a dentist immediately, as knocked-out teeth have the highest chances of being saved if treated within an hour of the accident.

For a Loose Tooth: If the tooth is slightly dislodged, use light pressure to reposition it back into its natural alignment. Be gentle and avoid forcing the tooth. Stabilize the tooth by biting down softly on a piece of gauze or a wet tea bag. It’s very important to seek dental care promptly to secure the tooth properly and avoid further damage.

For Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries to the gums, cheeks, lips, or tongue should be cleaned gently with water. Use a piece of sterile gauze to apply pressure to the area if there is bleeding. Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling and numb the area, easing the pain. If bleeding does not stop or the injury is severe, it’s essential to seek dental or medical assistance as soon as possible.

In all cases, quick and careful handling of dental emergencies not only alleviates immediate pain but also significantly enhances the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Always keep the contact information of your dentist handy for emergencies.

Conclusion

As the thrill of summer sports kicks into full gear, it’s crucial that we don’t sideline dental health amidst all the fun. At Washington Family Dental, we want to ensure you can enjoy physical and dental health, which is why we offer appointments that help you achieve a dental plan best for you. By scheduling an appointment today, you can gear up, play hard, and keep smiling safely.