If you play a sport, or participate in any other athletic activity, you are much more likely to experience a dental injury. Drs. Chad Gubler and Sean Gubler offer sports dentistry in Henderson, Nevada, to prevent and treat oral injuries and to share information and equipment that will help you protect your mouth. For more information on sports dentistry and to schedule your consultation with our dentists, please call Gubler Dental today at (702) 558-9977.
Injuries to the teeth and mouth are common among athletes. They can occur while participating in any sport, even individual activities, but are more common in high-impact sports. Knowing how to protect your or your child’s smile is important for both health and aesthetic reasons.
Prevention
When it comes to preventing injury to your teeth and mouth, the best option is a sports mouth guard. There are several types of mouth guards available to meet your needs. You can even purchase a generic mouth guard at most sporting goods stores, but a custom mouth guard will fit better and provide more effective protection. Our dentists can recommend an appropriate mouth guard to meet your needs.
Common Injuries
Common sports-related dental injuries include knocked-out teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, and displaced teeth. If you experience any of these problems, we recommend that you visit our dentists as soon as possible to ensure that no further damage occurs and begin receiving treatment. In the meantime, we will provide you with instructions on the best ways to care for your injury.
If your tooth has been knocked out:
- Get to the dentist as quickly as possible. Time is the most important factor when trying to save your tooth, and there is generally a 30-minute window of opportunity for re-implanting your natural tooth into your mouth.
- Do NOT try to re-implant the tooth yourself.
- Cary the tooth in liquid – the best option is cold milk. If other milk is not available, use saliva, a saline solution, or water.
- Do NOT let the tooth dry out. Make sure it stays moist.
- Do NOT wrap the tooth in anything.
- Do NOT handle the tooth by the roots. If you must touch it, touch only the crown.
If your teeth are chipped or cracked:
- If the chip exposes the pulp (nerves) of the tooth, get to our dentists as quickly as possible.
- Our dentists will need to take an X-ray. This will help us determine which type of treatment is necessary.
- Simple chipping and cracking can often be fixed with a dental filling or dental bonding treatment.
- If the nerve of the tooth is affected, a more complex restoration may be required.
If your tooth is displaced:
- Arrange to see our dentists as soon as possible.
- Do NOT attempt to move the tooth back into its proper position on your own. This could cause further damage.
- Apply ice to relieve discomfort before your appointment with our dentist. You may also use mild pain relievers if necessary.
For more information on sports dentistry, injury prevention, and common dental injuries, please contact our office. We will be happy to provide you with additional information.