Did you know that sources estimate that approximately 32% of all facial and dental injuries are linked to sports? Those who participate in close-contact activities are significantly more likely to sustain injuries that can seriously harm their teeth, gums, jaw, or tender tissues inside their mouths.
If you’ve been hurt and need help, contacting your dentist right away can go a long way towards saving your smile. Continue reading to learn about 3 common oral emergencies athletes experience and how your provider can help!
Issue #1: Chips and Cracks
Did you know that enamel is the hardest substance made by the human body? It’s even stronger than bone, but it doesn’t contain blood vessels, so it can’t repair itself if it’s been harmed.
Unfortunately, that means if you’ve sustained a blow to the face that chipped or cracked a tooth, you should contact your dentist right away. There’s no telling how deep the damage extends; it might even have reached the roots of your teeth under your gums, where you can’t see.
This kind of injury can result in sharp pains when you bite down, and bacteria in your mouth can penetrate any damage in your enamel and infect the roots inside. Your dentist can provide a solution, like dental bonding or placing a dental crown, to restore your pearly white’s appearance and functionality.
Issue #2: Fractured Roots
Fractured roots are another common concern among athletes. This type of injury occurs when you’ve been hit in the face at a certain angle that cracks your tooth from the root rather than the crown portion that rests above your connective tissues.
Because it originates beneath the gumline, you might not realize you have a problem until an infection develops. Then, your dentist will likely need to perform a root canal procedure to clear the damaged materials inside your tooth before placing a customized dental crown to protect it.
Issue #3: Tooth Loss
Oral injuries sustained by athletes can also dislodge one or more teeth, and gaps in your grin can leave you feeling self-conscious about how you look. Some patients also experience malnutrition or stomach issues because they struggle to bite or chew, and you might also develop a lisp, slur, or other speech impediment.
Many dentists provide lifelike replacement teeth, such as dentures, dental bridges, or implants, to close the spaces in your smile. These are typically made from resilient, tooth-colored materials that can be customized to look and feel as lifelike as possible.
Thankfully, your dentist can help you avoid these and other potential emergencies by providing a custom-fitted mouthguard that cushions your teeth from injuries to protect your smile.
Meet the Author
Dr. Tommy Murph has 25+ years of experience helping people enhance their daily lives by improving their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina and is an active member of the American Dental Association and the South Carolina Dental Association. Today, he offers a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs at one convenient location, including emergency care. If you’ve been injured and need help, it’s best to call our office at (843) 488-4357, though you can also make an appointment on our website.