In the very young child, injuries to baby teeth usually result from learning to walk. There may also be damage to the unerupted permanent teeth. Sports injuries are the main source of tooth and mouth injuries in older adolescents and adults. One of the risks of playing sports is getting injured, and sometimes that means a tooth can become loose or even get knocked out. But the best time to prepare for a sports injury is before it even happens.
Below are several ways you can help prevent sports trauma
and save teeth if it does occur.
1. Reduce risk of an injury
More than 80% of injuries happen to the top four front
teeth, according to Dr. Padilla. Unfortunately, some people’s teeth naturally
form in a way that makes them more prone to sports injuries. If this is the
case, a dentist may recommend you see an orthodontist or maxillofacial surgeon
to correct the problem.
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2. Get the right mouthguard, it makes a difference.
Getting and consistently wearing a custom, properly fitting
mouthguard is one of the best ways to prevent sports injuries. Children should start
wearing a mouthguard around 11 years old, when sports start to become more
intense. However, it’s never too early to start.
Also, not all mouthguards are created equal. Get a custom
mouthguard, stock boil-and-bites and conventional vacuum mouthguards do not
come close to the same level of protection.
Miami Beach Dentist
3. Face cages: This equipment protects against trauma to the
face, especially when playing certain sports positions, like baseball catcher
or hockey goalie.
4. Helmets: It's always wise to wear a helmet made for the
activity that you are participating in. Although most helmets won't protect the
teeth and mouth, they will protect another important area – your head, to help
protect against a brain concussion.
5. Know what to do if a tooth does come out
Miami Beach Dentist
If a tooth does come out, you need to rinse off any debris
and then put it back in the mouth within five minutes, and call your dentist as
soon as possible.
However, there are circumstances when a tooth cannot or
should not be put back in, such as if the person is unconscious. In those
instances, you should use a Save-A-Tooth emergency tooth preserving kit, or
even just put the tooth in milk. Never store a tooth dry or even in water.
You can make an appointment with our dentist by calling our office at (305) 534-2002 or by visiting www.RothmanDental.com. We are conveniently located in Miami Beach at 939 Arthur Godfrey Road, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Miami Beach
Dr. Arnold Rothman
(305) 534-2002
939 Arthur Godfrey Rd.
Miami Beach, Florida 33140
