As an athlete, your schedule might be jam-packed with workouts and games. While you may be keeping your head focused on winning and doing well, don’t forget to take care of your smile. You may be taking precautions to avoid injuries, but there are a few dental emergencies that are common for competitors like yourself. Here is what you should know and tips to protect your oral health.
As an Athlete, Which Dental Emergencies Am I At a Higher Risk For?
A scrape or two may be inevitable as an athlete, but here are a few things that can happen to your teeth if you aren’t careful:
- A damaged tooth can happen from a facial blow. Whether it’s a chip or crack, you should see your dentist right away. That way, you avoid worsening the situation or stop an infection from forming.
- A knocked-out tooth can occur from severe trauma. If so, then visit your provider within an hour for the best odds of saving it.
- Fractured roots are when the damage extends below your gumline. Root canals are often recommended, but an extraction may be needed if it’s severe enough.
- Tooth intrusions are a rare dental injury, but it’s when a tooth is pushed into the jawbone. There are several solutions, so it just depends on the case.
What Can I Do to Protect My Smile as an Athlete?
Although you may be prone to dental injuries as an athlete, that doesn’t mean you have to deal with them. You should take steps to protect your smile, so here are a few tips you should follow:
- Brush twice every day with fluoride toothpaste. This will remove plaque that can weaken your teeth.
- Floss daily to get rid of bacteria in places your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Follow all safety protocols, including wearing a mouthguard. This oral appliance can distribute the force of an impact across it to prevent damage that might otherwise occur.
- Have routine checkups and cleanings. These visits are essential to catch early warning signs of oral health issues, so they don’t become a big headache.
If you find yourself in a dental emergency, your provider can help you. By seeing them as soon as possible, you can feel confident your smile is one less thing to worry about.
About the Author
Dr. Beau Deaver earned his dental degree from the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry and his prosthodontic residency training at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry. He is dedicated to helping patients in Dallas with their urgent dental care with same-day visits. By pinpointing the issue, he can give you an effective solution. If you want to protect your smile, schedule an appointment or call his office at 214-750-6106.