What to Do During a Sports-Related Dental Emergency

Did you know that 13 to 39 percent of all dental injuries occur while playing sports? This type of trauma is often a dental emergency, and doing the right thing right away can be the difference between saving that brilliant smile and losing it.

Immediate First-Aid for Sports-Related Dental Emergencies

Proper first-aid is critical. It gives the emergency dentist in Indianapolis, IN, the best chance of saving a tooth or protecting the patient’s oral health.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If you knock out a tooth, the first step is to find and rinse it under tap water. Try to avoid touching the root of the tooth as you handle it.

Once you have the tooth and it is clean, put it in a small, clean container, preferably with a lid, for safekeeping. You should call the dentist right away. The tooth needs to be put back in within two hours to save it.

Chipped Tooth

The most important thing to remember about a chipped tooth is not to ignore it. Even the smallest of chips or cracks will expand over time. It can also allow bacteria to enter the tooth, which can cause more damage.

Broken Tooth

First aid isn’t as critical for a broken tooth, but it can help keep you more comfortable while you wait to see the emergency dentist. You should:

• Rinse your mouth out with warm water. Spit the water out.
• Apply an icepack to your cheek.

If possible, collect any broken pieces and take them with you to your emergency dental appointment.

Apply direct pressure to any bleeding injury using clean gauze. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, contact the dentist or get medical attention.

Preventing sports-related dental emergencies is always the best option. Wear a mouthguard for all contact sports. If you suffer an injury, contact your emergency dentist in Indianapolis, IN, to make an appointment.