Dental sports injuries are a topic that both athletes and coaches, as well as parents of children who play sports, should be informed about. This type of injury happens twice as often in men as in women. The most commonly injured tooth is the upper central incisor. Research among athletes in the U.S. has shown that only 7% of athletes wear a mouthguard in sports where it is not mandatory. Among those sports, basketball ranks number one in terms of dental injuries. About 31% of basketball players sustain an oral injury during a single season.
In which sports is it recommended to wear a mouthguard?
There is a risk of injury in almost all sports, but the most common are basketball, street basketball, football (soccer), handball, volleyball, rugby, all types of martial arts, ice hockey, field hockey, skating, cycling, extreme sports, motocross, skiing, snowboarding, and skateboarding.
What types of injuries can occur?
In addition to tooth injuries, engaging in physical activity may lead to trauma to the soft tissues of the mouth and face, facial bones, the jaw joint, or even a concussion. Tooth injuries can range from minor crown fractures to root fractures in the bone. A tooth may also be displaced in any direction or completely knocked out of the socket. Through clinical examination and analysis of an X-ray, a dentist will determine the severity of the injuries and the order of treatment.
What should you do if a dental injury occurs?
If a tooth has been displaced from its socket, do not attempt to reposition it yourself. A tooth that has been completely knocked out should be preserved and taken to the dentist as soon as possible. Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root, rinse it with water, and do not scrub it. The tooth must not dry out—it’s best to place it in a moist tissue, a glass of milk, or water. The dentist will assess the injury and try to reinsert the tooth into its place. Depending on how much time has passed since the tooth was knocked out, the chances of saving it will vary.
What to expect at the dental office?
For any dental injury, a detailed clinical and radiographic exam is necessary. If the crown is fractured but the pulp is intact, the tooth can be restored using a composite (white) filling or a ceramic crown. If the pulp is exposed due to the fracture, root canal treatment will be performed first, followed by a filling or crown.
In case of root fracture, the dentist will assess whether the tooth can be saved or needs to be extracted. If extraction is necessary, once healing is complete, the missing tooth can be replaced with a bridge or an implant.
A tooth that has been displaced from its socket can often be repositioned. It must then be stabilised using a splint for several weeks. Root canal treatment is often necessary in such cases.
How to avoid a dental sports injury?
Wearing a mouthguard is recommended to avoid dental sports injuries. In addition to protecting the teeth, mouthguards also shield the surrounding soft and bony structures. One of the important roles of the mouthguard is preventing the lower jaw from hitting the upper jaw during impact. In contact sports like hockey or boxing, this helps prevent concussions.
There are different types of mouthguards: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-made guards. In practice, only custom-made mouthguards have all the necessary features:
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Custom fabrication based on a dental impression of the athlete’s teeth
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Tight fit to the teeth and surrounding bone
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Minimum of 3mm thickness of rubber material
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Proper occlusion built into the guard
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Stability during sports activity—cannot be dislodged easily
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Allows normal speech and breathing
These features ensure optimal protection. Stock and boil-and-bite guards do not meet all these criteria, which is why more athletes are choosing custom-made guards. They are now the standard in many parts of the world.
Engaging in sports is important for overall health. Relax and enjoy everything that sports bring into your life. Just as you invest in good gear, shoes, or a ball—invest in protecting your health. Avoid pain, aesthetic problems, and unexpected costs if injury catches you unprepared.
