Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (86)
- dental injury (10)
- mouthguards (9)
- dental implants (16)
- clear aligners (2)
- orthodontics (5)
- tongue piercing (1)
- oral health (37)
- cracked tooth syndrome (1)
- pediatric dentistry (7)
- tooth wear (3)
- cosmetic dentistry (14)
- thumb sucking (2)
- root canal (1)
- nutrition (7)
- invisalign (1)
- pregnancy (4)
- teeth whitening (4)
- tooth bleaching (1)
- smoking (1)
- laser dentistry (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- medication (1)
- aspirin (1)
- braces (7)
- tooth decay (8)
- chipped teeth (2)
- brushing teeth (1)
- oral hygiene (35)
- crown (3)
- athletic mouthguards (3)
- pediatric care (1)
- blood pressure medications (1)
- medicine (1)
- bonding (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- gluten (1)
- burning mouth syndrome (4)
- tmd (2)
- tmj (2)
- jaw pain (3)
- dental anxiety (1)
- crowns (5)
- gum disease (7)
- tooth replacement (2)
- missing teeth (1)
- porcelain veneers (1)
- tooth pain (4)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- sleep apnea (4)
- snoring (3)
- wisdom teeth (6)
- artificial sweeteners (1)
- canker sores (2)
- dentures (4)
- orthodontic treatment (8)
- retainers (1)
- periodontal disease (2)
- toothpaste (1)
- veneers (3)
- mouth sores (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- toothache (2)
- ibuprofen (1)
- pain management (2)
- chipped tooth (5)
- bacteria (2)
- eating disorders (1)
- dental care (5)
- partial denture (3)
- bridge (2)
- sedation dentistry (1)
- oral sedation (1)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- bone graft (1)
- fluoride (3)
- diabetes (1)
- dental exam (2)
- bone grafting (1)
- tmj disorders (3)
- retainer (2)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- dry mouth (3)
- flossing (1)
- tooth loss (1)
- loose dentures (1)
- oral appliance (2)
- antibiotics (1)
- oral cancer (2)
- teeth grinding (2)
- dental cleanings (1)
- extraction (1)
- composite resins (1)
- dental implant (5)
- dental injuries (2)
- removable partial denture (2)
- toothbrush (1)
- bad breath (1)
- birth control (1)
- facial pain (1)
Categories:
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.”