It’s hockey season again and the season for outdoor ice skating is fast approaching. Along with ice hockey and skating come dental injuries. This is particularly a big issue in Natick and Massachusetts in general since 8.3% of registered hockey players in the US are from Massachusetts. This makes it the state with 5th largest concentration of hockey players.
These players are at high risk for dental injuries, with studies finding that dental injuries have accounted for 11.5–16% all injuries in hockey players. The frequency of these injuries increases significantly without the use of protective mouthguards or full-face shields.
With almost all dental injuries it’s essential to see a dentist as soon as possible. If you are looking for a dentist near you in Natick that takes emergency dental patients, look no further than Natick Dental Health.
Keeping teeth safe by wearing a mouthguard while skating and playing ice hockey can go a long way towards preventing serious dental injury. But what is a hockey player or ice skater to do if they get a dental injury? Here are the types of dental injuries one might experience while playing these ice sports and what to do about them.
Types of Dental Injuries in Ice Sports and What to Do About Them
Tooth Avulsion: This is when a tooth gets completely knocked out of its socket. It’s one of the most severe dental traumas and requires immediate attention. If the tooth can’t be saved, this may require a dental implant to replace the tooth.
- Do not touch the root. Hold the tooth by the crown.
- Rinse the tooth gently without scrubbing.
- If possible, try to place the tooth back in its socket, ensuring it’s facing the right way.
- If not, keep the tooth moist. Store it in milk or a tooth preservation product.
- See a dentist as soon as possible.
Tooth Fracture: A tooth can crack or break upon impact. The fracture can range from a minor chipping of the tooth to a more severe split.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Visit a dentist immediately.
Tooth Luxation: The tooth doesn’t come out entirely but is pushed to one side, forward, or backward.
- Try to reposition the tooth to its original alignment using very light finger pressure.
- Bite down to keep the tooth from moving.
- Visit a dentist immediately.
Lacerations: Falls or collisions can lead to cuts inside the mouth, lips, or cheeks.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce bleeding and swelling.
- If the cut is deep or doesn’t stop bleeding, seek medical attention.
Tooth Intrusion: The tooth is driven into the jawbone. This injury is rarer but can be severe. This injury requires professional care; see a dentist immediately.
We hope everyone has a fun but safe hockey season this year. If you do happen to have a dental emergency please don’t hesitate to contact our dental office. Our multi-specialty dental team will be able to help you with any dental ice-sport injury you may have.