Most common sports-related dental injuries

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Athletes often pay particular attention to their physical health, but how much do they think about their oral health? With up to 39% of dental injuries attributed to sports and an estimated 50% of children sustaining an injury before graduation, it’s essential to understand the risks you or your child face as an athlete. Untreated dental injuries could lead to more significant (and costlier) problems down the line.

If you think you may have experienced this due to sports or another activity, don’t wait to be seen. Schedule an appointment with our Long Island team that specializes in sports-related dental traumas.

Common types of dental injuries in sports

There are many ways a tooth can become damaged, on or off the field. However, some types of dental traumas are more common in sports than others. While basketball has the biggest percentage of injuries, other high-contact sports could leave you with significant pain. Hockey, football, lacrosse, baseball, boxing, martial arts, and other sports can all leave your mouth vulnerable to damage.

If you play a sport, watch for these common types of injuries:

• Cracked tooth – Unlike a chipped tooth, where a corner of it breaks off, a cracked tooth usually begins closer to the root and works its way down. It can cause mild to severe pain. Either way, cracked teeth can be serious and usually require prompt treatment to increase the chances of saving it.
• Tooth intrusion – You’re probably worried about your child having a tooth knocked out, but you should also be concerned about them having a tooth knocked in. Being hit in the face from a ball, a fall, or another player can cause the tooth to get pushed back into the jawbone. This type of injury can cause damage to the roots and the tooth pulp, which could lead to tooth loss.
• Fractured root – Some damage isn’t as visible. Specific types of impact may cause problems below the gums, damaging the root of your tooth while the crown remains relatively healthy. In most instances, the affected person won’t notice right away. However, left untreated, a fractured root could lead to severe and painful infections or necrosis, which can cause your tooth to fall out.
• Avulsed teeth – Of course, in line with other traumas, sports can significantly increase your risk of an avulsed tooth– the complete dislocation of it from its socket. It is most likely to happen within the front teeth. Same-day dental implants can help patients achieve full, natural-looking smiles without the long wait times.

Contact us today

If you’ve experienced or think you may have suffered from a dental injury, contact our Long Island dental team today. Our surgeons are experienced in a wide variety of dental and maxillofacial surgeries to help athletes and other patients achieve flawless, natural-looking smiles. Contact us today to schedule an appointment