Dental injuries can happen during sport.
Getting injured is all part of the game, as the old saying goes “dust it off with the magic sponge“.
Athletes can suffer blows or falls during sport that cause dental injuries, regardless of their strength or fitness.
Here are the most common sporting injuries dentists have to deal with:
Cracked Teeth
Across many sports, athletes are liable to blows to the face, which can result in cracked or fractured teeth.
Contact sports such as rugby and boxing can put teeth at risk. If a tooth cannot be saved, a dentist can discuss replacement options, which may include a bridge, denture or dental implant.
Fractured Roots
A fractured root is also a very common dental injury.
Athletes are likely to be struck with a ball to the face, that’s why we’ve seen lots of hockey and cricket players dealing with broken roots.
Treatment for a fractured root depends on the location and severity of the injury. A dentist will assess whether the tooth can be saved and whether root canal treatment is appropriate.
How can I protect my teeth during sport?
Suitable protective equipment can help reduce the risk of a dental injury.
Even sports with little contact can involve dental injuries, so it is important to know how to protect your teeth.
Mouthguards
A properly fitted mouthguard helps protect your teeth and jaw from injury. The Oral Health Foundation provides further guidance.
Mouthguards are recommended for contact sports and activities where bats, balls or other equipment could hit your mouth.
Ask your dentist about a mouthguard that fits your teeth and your sport.
Helmets
A helmet can help protect your head; protection for your face depends on its design.
Use the protective equipment recommended by your sport’s governing body, including a suitable helmet or faceguard where required.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, seek an emergency dental appointment immediately. Hold it by the crown, not the root; if it cannot be put back easily, keep it in milk or saliva. Never put a baby tooth back in. The NHS provides further guidance.