Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (81)
- dental implants (25)
- chipped tooth (6)
- bonding (3)
- clear aligners (2)
- orthodontics (4)
- oral hygiene (32)
- dental injury (10)
- mouthguard (4)
- dental treatment (1)
- thumb sucking (2)
- pediatric dentistry (7)
- fillings (1)
- smile makeover (4)
- cosmetic dentistry (16)
- dental hygienist (1)
- pregnancy (1)
- dentures (13)
- Root Canals (2)
- Teeth Whitening (8)
- dental hygiene (1)
- Veneers (9)
- Dental Crowns (3)
- root canal (6)
- Nutrition (9)
- mouthguards (8)
- bridge (2)
- bacteria (1)
- oral health (29)
- sleep apnea (3)
- snoring (3)
- tooth decay (14)
- sealants (1)
- oral cancer (5)
- Nitrous Oxide (1)
- fluoride (3)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- bleeding gums (2)
- periodontal disease (2)
- gum disease (8)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- sensitive teeth (5)
- crowns (5)
- chipped teeth (1)
- bad breath (3)
- braces (6)
- diabetes (2)
- tmj disorders (3)
- tmd (1)
- tmj (2)
- Laser Periodontal Therapy (1)
- orthodontic treatment (6)
- adult orthodontics (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- medication (1)
- wisdom teeth (6)
- bridges (1)
- porcelain veneers (2)
- teeth grinding (3)
- retainers (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- sugar (2)
- x-ray (1)
- laser dentistry (1)
- extractions (1)
- missing teeth (1)
- restorative dentistry (2)
- jaw pain (2)
- bruxism (1)
- burning mouth syndrome (1)
- flossing (2)
- bone grafting (2)
- tooth pain (3)
- dental bonding (1)
- x-rays (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- dental injuries (3)
- Dental Visits (1)
- mouth sore (2)
- artificial sweeteners (1)
- medications (1)
- cracked tooth (1)
- cancer treatment (1)
- Tooth Extractions (1)
- toothache (2)
- cold sore (1)
- dental implant (4)
- bone loss (1)
- oral appliance (1)
- dental insurance (1)
- Root Canal Treatment (1)
- removable partial denture (1)
- pain management (1)
- lingual braces (1)
- smoking (1)
- nerve pain (1)
- gum recession (1)
- dental care (1)
- partial denture (1)
- osteoporosis (1)
- tooth wear (1)
Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara had a rough Stanley Cup final against the St. Louis Blues this past June. Not only did the Bruins ultimately lose the championship, but Chara took a deflected puck shot to the face in Game Four that broke his jaw.
With the NHL season now over, the 42-year-old Bruins captain continues to mend from his injury that required extensive treatment. His experience highlights how jaw fractures and related dental damage are an unfortunate hazard in hockey—not only for pros like Chara, but also for an estimated half million U.S. amateurs, many in youth leagues.
Ice hockey isn't the only sport with this injury potential: Basketball, football (now gearing up with summer training) and even baseball players are also at risk. That's why appropriate protective gear like helmets and face shields are key to preventing injury.
For any contact sport, that protection should also include a mouthguard to absorb hard contact forces that could damage the mouth, teeth and gums. The best guards (and the most comfortable fit) are custom-made by a dentist based on impressions made of the individual's mouth.
But even with adequate protection, an injury can still happen. Here's what you should do if your child has an injury to their jaw, mouth or teeth.
Recognize signs of a broken jaw. A broken jaw can result in severe pain, swelling, difficulty speaking, numbness in the chin or lower lip or the teeth not seeming to fit together properly. You may also notice bleeding in the mouth, as well as bruising under the tongue or a cut in the ear canal resulting from jawbone movement during the fracture. Get immediate medical attention if you notice any of these signs.
Take quick action for a knocked-out tooth. A tooth knocked completely out of its socket is a severe dental injury. But you may be able to ultimately save the tooth by promptly taking the following steps: (1) find the tooth and pick it up without touching the root end, (2) rinse it off, (3) place it back in its socket with firm pressure, and (4) see a dentist as soon as possible.
Seek dental care. Besides the injuries already mentioned, you should also see a dentist for any moderate to severe trauma to the mouth, teeth and gums. Leading the list: any injury that results in tooth chipping, looseness or movement out of alignment.
Even a top athlete like Zdeno Chara isn't immune to injury. Take steps then to protect your amateur athlete from a dental or facial injury.
If you would like more information about dealing with sports-related dental injuries, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Athletic Mouthguards” and “The Field-Side Guide to Dental Injuries.”
