Tooth and mouth injuries

Injuries to the teeth and mouth are common, especially among children.

Every year, around 85% of the children injure their teeth while playing or during sports activities.

Treating minor injuries with proper medications is feasible.

But, sometimes the injury can be severe causing complete detachment of the tooth, which needs special medical attention.

Common tooth & mouth injuries

Modern dentistry has tremendously progressed over the years and can now fix almost any kind of tooth injury sustained while playing a sport. Tooth and mouth injuries fall into three different categories:

Cracked Teeth

When a person receives an abrupt blow to the face during sports, end up having cracked teeth. A person with cracked teeth experiences extreme pain in chewing food. The injured teeth also become highly sensitive to hot and cold.

Symptoms of cracked teeth:

Sharp pain when chewing or biting food
Teeth become extremely sensitive to sweetness
Random pain that comes and goes
Discomfort while talking
Swollen gums around the cracked tooth

Fractured Roots

A fractured root is often hard to diagnose and can be quite disturbing. This injury affects the hard shell of the tooth and is therefore invisible. The injury comes to light only when an infection develops or there is pus formation around the fractured root. The severity of this injury depends on the location and depth of the fracture along the root.

Symptoms of fractured roots:

Severe pain that lasts for an hour or more
Drinking cold and warm beverages become difficult
One cannot chew or bite food properly

Tooth Intrusion

This is one of the most severe teeth and mouth injuries that usually results in the displacement of the tooth. In this type of injury, the tooth is completely knocked out or it is driven back into the jawbone.

Symptoms of tooth intrusion

Destruction of the tooth pulp
Severe damage to the roots
Pain in the head or neck
Loss of consciousness

Tips to prevent tooth and Mouth injuries

Mouth Guards: One of the best ways to protect your face and of course your teeth and mouth is to wear a durable and high-quality mouth guard.

Helmets: Although most of the helmets partially cover your face, they are a must while playing sports like Rugby, Baseball, Cricket, etc.

Face Cages: This equipment protects the face from abrupt blow to the face during certain sports and is worn especially by a hockey goalkeeper.

When to Seek Medical Help?

Tooth and Mouth injuries have the potential to cause long-term dental problems and hence cannot be ignored. If you are experiencing extreme pain after an injury, make sure you pay a visit to your dentist’s office and receive proper medications. If you have a fractured root, it should be immediately reported to your dentist. Also, during any of the above mentioned injuries, avoid putting pressure on it.