Sports Dentistry: Preventing Pediatric Dental Injuries in Sports

Kids and sports go hand-in-hand. They are active and they don’t always take the necessary precautions – even when they are handed to them. Unfortunately, this puts them at risk for a lot of accidents that could cause dental injuries. 

What is Sports Dentistry? 

In a nutshell, sports dentistry involves the prevention and treatment of dental injuries and oral issues that occur while playing or even practicing sports. It brings together a combination of efforts to address restoring functionality as well as appearance. 

It does not matter the type of sport or the degree of contact, dental injuries can happen and prevention should always be sought. 

Most Common Dental Injuries in Sports 

There are so many different types of accidents that occur, but some of the most common dental injuries in sports include teeth that are cracked, fractured at the root, knocked out, or shoved into the jawbone. 

These injuries can happen as the result of contact with another player or with one of the objects used to play the sport, such as a ball, bat, stick, or something else. 

Millions of these dental injuries transpire in sports every single year. The good news is that there are ways to try to prevent them and treatments for when they happen anyway. 

How to Prevent Pediatric Dental Injuries in Sports

There are two common options for protecting against dental injuries in sports: mouthguards and helmets. 

Mouthguards

Whether a contact sports or not, a custom mouthguard that is properly fitted will reduce the chance of damage no matter what the teeth come up against — such as another person, a ball, or even the ground.  Not only can custom mouthguards reduce trauma to teeth they can protect your child athlete from concussions.

While mouthguards can be bought at many stores, a custom-fit mouthguard from your dentist will provide the most protection for your child. 

Helmets

Helmets also work to protect teeth. They are designed to protect the athlete from head injuries, but by default, they protect teeth too. Balls and hockey pucks will still be able to make contact with your child's mouth, but the ground won’t. So, in some ways, you can consider it an extra layer of protection. 

Note that a helmet is not a replacement or alternative to a mouthguard. 

When Dental Injuries in Sports Happen

A lot can arise when your child is in the game — and sometimes that includes a dental injury. It does not matter how prepared you think you are, injuries can appear out of nowhere. So, what do you do? 

You turn to Pediatric Dental Care of Memphis for care and restoration. Those that offer sports dentistry will have treatments available to address all of the most common injuries, as well as those that are not so common. 

With swift action, most injuries can be addressed and treated successfully. 

Learn More About Dental Injuries and Sports

Pediatric Dental Care of Memphis offers sports dentistry because we know just how active kids and teens can be. We offer preventative measures and the treatment necessary when things go awry. 

If you find your child in either of these situations, contact us today at one of our convenient locations:

Kirby Center: 901-363-8192

White Station: 901-560-4386

Or, request an appointment online.