Sports are a great way for children and teens to exercise, learn the value of teamwork, and have fun. Many of our patients play sports while in orthodontic treatment. Dr. Barden recommends that patients always wear a properly fitting mouthguard when playing sports, whether it’s for fun, during practice, or during competition. Learn more about the importance of mouthguards when playing sports.
If a sports-related dental emergency occurs, here are some helpful tips provided by the American Dental Association.
Knocked out tooth. If the tooth is dirty, hold the tooth by the top (crown) and rinse gently. If possible, you can try to insert the tooth back into the socket. Otherwise put the tooth in a container with milk. Contact your dentist immediately for an emergency visit.
Cracked or broken tooth. Rinse your mouth with warm water and put a cold pack on the face to minimize swelling. Save the broken part of the tooth in a wet cloth. Contact your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment.
Jaw possibly broken. Apply a cold ice pack on the face to minimize swelling and contact your dentist or go to the emergency room immediately.
Bitten tongue or lip. Clean the area gently and use cold packs on the area to minimize swelling. Contact your dentist or go to the emergency room if there is heavy bleeding that does not stop after a short period of time.
Mouthguards can prevent or minimize many sports-related injuries. Ask Dr. Doug Barden or his staff if you have any questions or need a mouthguard that works with braces. Check out more emergency care tips on our website.
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