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SPORTS-RELATED
N EDENTAL D TAL INJURIES INJUIR S E
By Maribel Santos-Cordero, DMD, Dentistry for Children & Adolescents
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Sophie was the best soccer player on her team.
More than 25 % of sports related
milk. Go to your dentist immediately.
injuries involve the mouth and teeth.
A better outcome is expected when the
Injuries to primary teeth have the
tooth is replanted within an hour of the
potential to affect the development of
accident. If lips or gums are cut, apply
the permanent teeth. Tongue, lips, and
pressure with gauze or a clean cloth
gums can be lacerated, bruised, and
for five minutes and observe. If still
torn. Teeth can be displaced or even
bleeding, contact your dentist or take
fall out of the mouth. If a permanent
your child to the emergency room.
tooth is completely knocked out, time is critical. Handle the tooth only by the crown. Rinse under
A kick to the chin at practice left her mandible fractured and her tongue cut open. Paul was just waiting for his turn at bat. A boy swung for warm up and accidentally hit his mouth. Paul’s upper lip was split in two, one permanent front tooth fell on the ground and three more teeth were fractured. 8
GULFCOAST FAMILY LIVING
Safety should be our priority as children get ready for yet another fall sports season. Knee pads, shin guards
water if the tooth has visible
and helmets are all important to prevent
debris. DO NOT scrub. Place
bodily injuries. Sports mouthguards are
it in saliva, saline solution, or
just as important to protect the teeth.
