As parents, we encourage our children to stay active and participate in sports. It comes with numerous benefits, including physical fitness, teamwork, and confidence-building. However, it’s essential to be aware that sports involvement also puts our little athletes at risk of dental emergencies. Read on to learn which are the most common oral injuries among child athletes and how you can prevent them.
Tooth Fractures and Chips
One of the most prevalent dental injuries among young athletes is a fractured or chipped tooth. The impact from falls, collisions, or accidental hits can cause teeth to crack or chip, leading to discomfort and potential long-term complications. Ensuring children wear custom-fit mouthguards while participating in contact sports can significantly reduce the risk of these injuries. A mouthguard can act as a protective barrier, absorbing the impact and cushioning the teeth, gums, and jaws from harm.
Knocked-Out Teeth
A knocked-out tooth is another common sports-related emergency among children. Whether it’s soccer, basketball, or hockey, one wrong move can lead to a permanent tooth being dislodged. Quick action is crucial in these situations. Keep the knocked-out tooth moist by placing it in milk or a saline solution and seek emergency dental care within 30 minutes. In some cases, prompt re-implantation can save the tooth.
Lip and Cheek Injuries
Contact sports often involve swift movements and potential collisions, putting the lips and cheeks at risk of injury. Biting the lip or getting hit in the face can cause cuts, bruises, and soft tissue damage. Encourage your little one to wear protective facial gear, such as faceguards or mouthguards with lip shields, to safeguard against these injuries.
Root Fractures
Root fractures, though less common, can occur in high-impact sports where force is transmitted through the jawbone to the tooth’s root. These injuries may not always be evident immediately, but they can lead to severe complications if left untreated. It’s important to stay on top of your regular dental checkups as dentists can detect root fractures early on through X-rays and provide appropriate treatment.
Jaw Dislocation
Young athletes involved in both contact and non-contact sports are susceptible to jaw dislocations. The impact of a blow or a fall can force the jaw out of its socket, causing pain and difficulty in closing or opening the mouth. A well-fitted mouthguard can offer added protection to the jaw, reducing the risk of dislocations.
About the Author
Dr. Homer Sedighi, DMD is a proud graduate of Washington University in St. Louis. Afterward, he completed a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of Rochester. He is currently a member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. If your child has sustained an oral injury due to athletics, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. You can schedule an appointment via our website or call (636) 777-7777.