Sports Dentistry - Yale Pediatric Dentistry

Young girl smiling and holding a basketball.

Sports Injuries

Sports dentistry is the prevention and treatment of dental injuries and related oral diseases, as well as the sharing of information and equipment designed to help protect the teeth, mouth, jaw, and face of athletes of all ages. Injuries to the teeth and mouth are common among athletes. It’s important to protect your child’s smile if he or she plays sports, for aesthetics as well as health reasons.

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Common Dental Injuries in Sports

If a child’s permanent tooth is knocked out or loosened by trauma, immediately call your dentist.
Time is the most important factor when trying to save a permanent tooth that has been knocked out, so get to your dentist as soon as possible. In general, there is a 30-minute window of opportunity to re-implant the tooth in the socket.
If a child looses a baby tooth due to trauma, it is best to give it to the tooth fairy and wait for the permanent tooth to grow in.
The best liquid to transport a tooth in is cold milk. If milk is not available, use saliva (if possible), saline, or if nothing else is available, water.
Don’t let the tooth dry out and don’t wrap it in anything.
Don’t touch the tooth root if you can avoid it.
If a tooth is knocked loose, you may be able to gently reposition yourself if advised by your dentist.

Your dentist will likely use an X-ray of the tooth to determine the treatment necessary.
For a serious chip that exposes the pulp of the tooth, get to your dentist as soon as possible.
If a tooth is chipped or cracked, sometimes the tooth can be fixed with a filling or bonding alone.
Sometimes a tooth is cracked or chipped in a way affecting the nerve of the tooth, and a more complicated treatment may be needed.

If a tooth is moved due to trauma, see your dentist as soon as possible.

Preventing Injury

One of the best ways to prevent injury to your child’s teeth and mouth is to have him or her to wear a mouthguard while playing sports. There are several types of mouthguards to choose from, and your doctor can help you choose the best one for your child’s particular needs.