{"id":82,"date":"2021-06-16T19:19:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-16T19:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dfwpediatricdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=82"},"modified":"2021-08-06T19:22:56","modified_gmt":"2021-08-06T19:22:56","slug":"3-common-dental-injuries-in-sports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dfwpediatricdentistry.com\/blog\/2021\/06\/16\/3-common-dental-injuries-in-sports\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Most Common Dental Injuries in Sports"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Most children love to spend their summer days outside, participating in their favorite seasonal activities. Now that school\u2019s out, your little one may be ready to go for a swim or join their friends for a quick soccer match. Unfortunately, playing full-contact sports can result in an injury if proper precautions aren\u2019t taken. Here are the three most common dental injuries, how to prevent them, and what to do if your child has a sports-related emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Top 3 Dental Injuries in Sports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that about 15 million Americans experience a sports-related dental injury<\/a> each year? Here are the three most common injuries:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cracked Teeth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One blow to the face could easily result in a cracked or fractured tooth. A common symptom to watch out for is sharp pain, particularly when biting down or consuming foods at extreme temperatures. If your child has been hit in the face or mouth, schedule a dental visit ASAP to have their teeth and gums assessed for signs of damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fractured Roots<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A fractured root begins at the root level and works its way up to the tooth\u2019s surface. Usually, this injury occurs when an athlete receives a blow at a certain angle. Since these fractures are virtually invisible, they may only be discovered when an infection develops. Patients may need root canal therapy to prevent the infection from spreading to the pulp. Otherwise, their injury may lead to tooth loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tooth Intrusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most sports injuries are associated with teeth getting knocked out. But sometimes, the impact can drive the teeth back into<\/em> the jawbone. This type of trauma is called an intrusion. Although it happens more often with baby teeth, athletes of all ages are at risk of this injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Prevent Dental Injuries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Make sure your child always protects their teeth and jaw when participating in full-contact activities! Mouthguards are certainly a must when playing any sport that involves bats, balls, sticks, or physical contact. They guard your child\u2019s smile against cut lips, broken teeth, and other dental injuries. Don\u2019t like the price tag? Remember this \u2013 the cost of replacing a tooth is much<\/em> more than that of a custom mouthguard. As an added layer of protection, encourage your child to wear a sturdy helmet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Do If You Have a Sports-Related Dental Injury<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your child\u2019s permanent tooth is chipped<\/strong> or broken<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n