You might like the rush you feel when you are playing sports. There may be no better experience than entering a flow state with your team and winning the game. However, before you get lost in the rush, it’s important you protect your smile. There are several dental emergencies you’re at a higher risk for as an athlete. Here are some to know and tips to protect your oral health.
Which Dental Emergencies Are Athletes at a Higher Risk For?
As you may already be familiar with, you may be more prone to injury while playing sports. However, several things can happen to your teeth if you aren’t careful. These are a few to be aware of:
- Damaged Tooth: A facial blow can lead to a chipped or cracked tooth. This scenario needs to be seen by your dentist right away to avoid developing an infection in the inner pulp.
- A Knocked-Out Tooth: If the trauma is severe enough, the tooth may come out completely. In this instance, you need to be seen by your provider within an hour to increase your odds of saving it.
- Fractured Roots: This can happen if the damage extends down below your gumline. A root canal is often needed, but an extraction may be necessary in certain cases.
- Tooth Intrusion: A rarer dental injury is when a tooth is pushed into the jawbone. The solution for this case depends on the severity.
How Can I Protect My Teeth as an Athlete?
While you may be at a higher risk of dental emergencies, that doesn’t mean you have to quit being an athlete. Instead, you should take steps to protect your grin. Here are a few tips you can stick to:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque that can lead to oral health issues, which can then weaken your teeth.
- Floss once daily to get into the tight spaces your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Follow all safety measures, like wearing a mouthguard. This oral appliance is designed to distribute the force of facial blows across it; that way, you’re less likely to develop damage. Even if it’s not required, it’s a good thing to have handy.
- Visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings. Semi-annual appointments can help watch for early warning signs of dental problems and treat them before they become bigger.
In the end, your provider is here for you. If you experience a dental emergency, they can get you the relief you deserve and get you back in the game. That way, your smile is one less thing you need to worry about.
About the Practice
Want to make sure your teeth and gums are protected? Our team at Summerlin Center for Aesthetic Dentistry is dedicated to helping patients in Las Vegas with their oral health by offering a wide range of treatments. Led by compassionate dentists, we work to see you as soon as possible for dental emergencies to give you an effective solution to the problem at hand. If you want to make sure your smile is safe from harm, schedule an appointment or call our office at 702-844-6224.