Premier Dental Care |337 Hancock StGallatinTN37066 | (615) 452-1292
Premier Dental Care
337 Hancock St
GallatinTN 37066
 (615) 452-1292
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Summer Dental Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Summer Dental Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Sports-related injuries are the cause of anywhere from 13 to 39 percent of dental injuries dentists treat. If you are enjoying the summer by participating in sports, you should be aware of what type of damage you can incur and what you can do to prevent it. We've come up with a list of the most common dental injuries and how to prevent them here:

Cracked Teeth

A sudden strike to the face can result in a cracked tooth, which will have a crack or split that extends from the crown of the tooth and down into the tooth. Regardless of the severity of the crack, it is important that you see your dentist as soon as possible as the injuries can result in a variety of long-term dental complications. The symptoms of cracked teeth include:

  • Pain when eating or drinking.
  • A sudden, sharp pain when biting down.
  • The loss of part of the tooth's exterior enamel.     

Fractured Roots

Fractures in the root of teeth are typically invisible because the crack originates in the root and then extend in the direction of the chewing surface. They can result from a blow to the face, and may only become apparent when you begin to feel the painful side effects of the infection that resulted from the fracture. The location of the fracture on the root is a significant factor on the severity of the condition. Root canal therapy will likely be needed to repair the tooth and should be done early to avoid losing the tooth to the infected pulp.  

Sports lovers can protect their teeth by using mouth guards, which can provide protection against various forms of damage that can occur to the mouth, such as broken teeth, cut lips and more.

Tooth Intrusion

Tooth intrusions occur when a tooth is driven deeper into the jawbone. Whether or not the tooth is visible will depend on the extent of the intrusion. It tends to occur more in children than in adults because the alveolar bones where the tooth sockets are located have not yet fully developed and hardened. Symptoms of a tooth intrusion include:

  • Swelling of the gums around the affected tooth.
  • Throbbing pain.

Mouth Guards to Prevent Injury

Sports lovers can protect their teeth by using mouth guards, which can provide protection against various forms of damage that can occur to the mouth, such as broken teeth, cut lips and more. No matter which type you use, it is recommended that you replace your mouth guard at the end of every season.

  • Custom-built mouth guards. Because these give you the best protection and fit, they tend to be the most expensive type of mouth guard. They are fabricated using a molding of your teeth.
  • Boil and bite mouth guards. These can usually be located at sporting goods stores. They are sold with a piece of plastic in the general shape of a set of teeth that you have to boil and then bite into to obtain a fit unique to your mouth.
  • Standard mouth guards. These are typically the least expensive type and can be worn directly out of the package. However, they may feel uncomfortable as they tend not to have an exact fit.

At Premiere Dental Care, we can provide you with the dental services you need. Feel free to join our email list to receive helpful dental tips.

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