When it comes to sports, whether recreational
or professional one of the biggest things players have to deal with are tooth
and mouth accidents and now that spring is just around the corner, anyone who
plays an individual or competitive sport could be at risk.
Your dentist explains that over 50 percent of
all children under the age of 12 in the United States will have some sort of
head or tooth injury. The majority of those injuries will occur from a fall, a
fight, or a sporting injury. Most head and tooth injuries could have been
prevented with a custom made sports mouthguard. According to the American Dental Association, the three types of mouthguards available, stock, boil and bite and
custom made will all do the best they can at protecting your mouth and teeth,
but because the mouthguards made by your dentist are molded to your teeth and
gums they will offer better protection.
If happens, there are some things you can do before
you get to the dentist’s office.
If you knock out a tooth, keep the tooth moist and try to stop the
bleeding. If you can, try and push the tooth back in. If this is impossible,
place the teeth between your cheek and your gums or in a bowl of milk. If the
tooth is intact, it is quite possible that it can be saved. You can also
purchase a tooth preservation product that carries the American DentalAssociation Seal of Acceptance.
If you have cracked your tooth, rinse
immediately with a warm water rinse before placing cold compresses on your face
to keep the swelling down.
Clean the area with water if you have bitten
your lip or tongue or if it was accidently bitten on the playing feel. Apply a
cold compress and see your doctor as quickly as possible.
Toothaches can be helped by rinsing the area
with warm water to keep it free from bacteria and food particles. Use dental
floss and a drop or two of oil of cloves to help deaden the pain. Never put aspirin
on your gums or your teeth.
For more information regarding dental
emergencies, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today.
