Sport is one of the most common causes of dental injuries in both children and adults. A blow to the face during rugby, football, hockey, boxing, or even cycling can result in a chipped, cracked, or knocked-out tooth – and when that happens, getting to an emergency dentist quickly is essential. Dental injuries sustained during sport account for a significant proportion of all traumatic tooth injuries, and many of them are entirely preventable with the right protection in place.
Whether you play in a competitive team or simply enjoy recreational sport, understanding how to respond to a dental injury and how to prevent one in the first place could save you a great deal of pain, expense, and worry.
Common Sports-Related Dental Injuries
The types of dental injuries associated with sport vary depending on the activity and the nature of the impact involved. Some of the most frequently seen injuries include:
- Chipped or fractured teeth – A direct impact can chip or crack the enamel, exposing the sensitive dentine beneath. Minor chips may not cause immediate pain, but they do weaken the tooth structure.
- Luxated teeth – This is when a tooth is displaced from its socket but not fully knocked out. It may be pushed back into the gum, pushed sideways, or partially pulled forward. These injuries require prompt treatment to reposition the tooth and prevent nerve damage.
- Avulsed teeth (knocked-out teeth) – One of the most dramatic dental injuries, an avulsed tooth is a genuine dental emergency. The faster you act, the better the chances of saving the tooth.
- Root fractures – The root of the tooth can fracture during an impact without the crown of the tooth appearing damaged. These injuries are often only visible on X-ray.
- Soft tissue injuries – Lacerations to the lips, cheeks, and tongue are common in contact sports and may require treatment to prevent infection and encourage proper healing.
What to Do If You Knock Out a Tooth
A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the few dental situations where time really is of the essence. Acting quickly and correctly in the first few minutes can make the difference between saving and losing the tooth. Follow these steps:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part) – never touch the root
- If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly in milk or clean water – do not scrub it
- Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket if possible and bite gently on a cloth to hold it in place
- If you cannot reinsert it, store the tooth in a container of cold milk or hold it between your cheek and gum
- Contact us immediately on 01880 820387 and get to the practice as quickly as possible
Ideally, a knocked-out tooth should be reimplanted within 30 minutes to an hour of the injury. The longer it is left outside the mouth, the lower the chances of successful reimplantation.
What About Milk Teeth?
If a child knocks out a baby (milk) tooth, you should not attempt to reinsert it. Forcing a baby tooth back into the socket could damage the developing permanent tooth beneath. Instead, reassure your child and contact us for advice. We will check that the socket is clean and that there is no remaining damage to the gum or surrounding teeth.
How a Custom Mouthguard Protects Your Teeth
The most effective way to prevent sports-related dental injuries is to wear a properly fitted mouthguard during any activity that carries a risk of facial impact. A mouthguard acts as a shock absorber, cushioning the teeth and jaw from blows that could otherwise cause serious damage. Research consistently shows that mouthguards significantly reduce the risk of dental injury during sport.
Custom-Made vs. Off-the-Shelf Mouthguards
There are three main types of mouthguard available. Stock mouthguards come pre-formed and are available from sports shops, but they offer the least protection because they cannot be adjusted to fit your mouth. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are softened in hot water and then moulded to the teeth – they offer better protection than stock guards but still cannot match the precision fit of a custom-made appliance.
A custom-made mouthguard, provided by a dentist, is fabricated from an impression of your own teeth. This means it fits snugly, stays in place during activity, and provides the highest level of protection. Custom guards are also more comfortable to wear and easier to breathe and speak in during sport.
Which Sports Benefit From Mouthguard Use?
| Sport | Risk of Dental Injury | Mouthguard Recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| Rugby | High | Yes – strongly recommended |
| Boxing / Martial Arts | High | Yes – essential |
| Hockey (field and ice) | High | Yes – strongly recommended |
| Football | Moderate | Yes – recommended |
| Basketball | Moderate | Yes – recommended |
| Cycling | Moderate | Advisable |
| Gymnastics | Moderate | Advisable |
| Cricket | Moderate to high (batting) | Yes – recommended |
Caring for Your Mouthguard
A mouthguard is an investment in your dental health, so it is worth looking after it properly. Rinse it with cool water after each use and clean it with a toothbrush and mild soap. Store it in a rigid, ventilated case to maintain its shape and prevent contamination. Keep it away from heat sources and direct sunlight, as these can warp the material. Bring your mouthguard to dental appointments so we can check its condition – particularly in children and teenagers whose mouths are still growing and changing.
Custom mouthguards typically last one to two years with regular use, though growing children may need replacements more frequently as their teeth develop.
Children, Sport, and Dental Protection
Children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable to sports-related dental injuries because they are more likely to take physical risks, may not yet wear protective equipment consistently, and their permanent teeth are relatively newly erupted. For parents, it is worth building mouthguard use into the routine of any sport that involves physical contact or a risk of being struck in the face.
Children’s mouths are growing and changing rapidly, which means a custom mouthguard fitted one year may not fit as well a year later. We recommend bringing it along to check-up appointments so we can assess whether a new one is needed. A poorly fitting mouthguard offers significantly less protection than one that fits correctly – and wearing an ill-fitting guard can create a false sense of security.
What to Tell Your Insurer After a Sports Dental Injury
Some sports and leisure insurance policies cover dental injuries. If your tooth is damaged or knocked out during a sport or other insured activity, it is worth checking your policy to see whether the treatment costs may be covered. Your dentist can provide documentation of the injury and treatment received if required by an insurer. Keep records of any costs incurred and note the date and circumstances of the injury while they are fresh in your memory.
Seeking Treatment After a Sports Dental Injury
Even if a dental injury seems minor – a small chip, some sensitivity after a blow – it is always worth having it assessed by a dentist. What appears superficial may involve damage to the root or surrounding bone that is not immediately visible. Prompt treatment can prevent the injury from developing into a more significant problem down the line. In some cases, a tooth that appears intact after a blow may develop discolouration or internal resorption months later, which is why follow-up appointments matter even after an apparently straightforward recovery.
For guidance on managing broken or knocked-out teeth, the NHS Inform page on broken or knocked-out teeth provides clear, practical first-aid advice.
At Tarbert Dental Surgery, we provide custom-made sports mouthguards as well as prompt emergency dental care for sports injuries. If you or a family member has suffered a dental injury during sport, or if you would like to be fitted for a mouthguard before the season begins, call us on 01880 820387 and we will be happy to help.