Do you enjoy being on the football or baseball field? Perhaps it’s basketball or volleyball you prefer. No matter what sport captures your attention, there is always a risk of injury each time you take to the field, court, or track. As an athlete, knowing how to protect your body, head, and mouth is essential, so keep reading to learn how to safeguard your smile against these 3 common dental emergencies.

Cracked Teeth

When a tooth is cracked, it can cause severe pain that requires immediate treatment. Also, the sharp edges can cause more harm to nearby teeth and gums.

Without timely care, the crack can worsen and expose more of your natural tooth, including the pulp, which is highly sensitive. This can make eating and drinking increasingly difficult. Finally, in a worst-case scenario, a cracked tooth can lead to a cusp fracture, which may require a root canal or tooth extraction.

Tooth Intrusion

Although you might assume that a knocked-out tooth is more common, the truth is that a tooth intrusion is just as likely. This occurs when a tooth is pushed up into the gums and jawbone. It can lead to further pulp damage, root resorption, or ankylosis, a process in which the tooth root fuses to the alveolar bone, making it completely immobile.

Fractured Tooth Roots

Depending on the type of sport you play, you may not always be able to predict when you’re about to get hit. If it occurs at a certain angle, you can suffer a fractured root that starts at the bottom and works its way to the top (the crown).

You may not realize that a fracture has occurred, but the clearest indicator is an infection. Treating this issue sooner rather than later is always best, as your dentist can try to save your tooth with root canal therapy. Otherwise, it may need to be extracted.

How Can You Protect Your Teeth?

If you want to avoid the emergency dentist’s office, you’ll need to ask about getting a customized mouthguard. These unlikely crafted appliances are built from impressions taken of your smile, which means greater comfort throughout the big game. You’ll breathe better and know that its cushioned barrier will safeguard your teeth should you sustain any hit.

Protect your smile in the same way you do your head and body. With a custom mouthguard, you can enjoy greater peace of mind as you try to score the winning goal.

About the Author
Dr. Peter A. Pate began practicing dentistry in 1982 and has been transforming smiles ever since. Delivering top-of-the-line care at Dentistry in Buckhead and regularly treats individuals with dental emergencies. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth or a broken denture, he can resolve the problem and restore smiles to their previous state. If you have suffered a dental injury and need help, visit our website or call (404) 266-9424.