What You’ll Learn:
In this blog, we’ll explore the most common types of dental injuries caused by sports, why they occur, what to do if they happen, and—most importantly—how to prevent them with the right protection.
Every time your child steps onto a sports field, jumps on a bike, or picks up a ball, they’re not just building confidence and fitness—they’re also at risk of injury. While broken bones and sprains often take the spotlight, dental injuries are one of the most common (and most preventable) types of sports injuries, especially in contact sports.
Let’s take a closer look at the types of dental trauma athletes may experience—and how to protect those smiles for the long run.
1. Chipped or Fractured Teeth
This is one of the most frequent sports-related dental injuries. A chipped tooth can range from a minor cosmetic crack to a deeper fracture that affects the nerve of the tooth. It usually happens when there’s direct impact from a ball, elbow, or fall.
Symptoms may include:
- Sharp edges or discomfort when chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Visible damage to the tooth
If the damage is minor, dental bonding or a filling may restore the tooth. More severe fractures may require a crown or even a root canal.
2. Tooth Knocked Out (Avulsion)
When a tooth is completely dislodged from the socket, it’s called an avulsed tooth—and it’s a dental emergency. This injury requires immediate attention to have the best chance of saving the tooth.
What to do immediately:
- Find the tooth and handle it only by the crown (top part).
- Rinse it gently with milk or saline (not water).
- If possible, place it back in the socket and hold it there with a clean cloth.
- If that’s not possible, place it in a container with milk or the injured person’s saliva.
- Get to a dentist immediately—within 30 minutes is ideal.
3. Tooth Displacement (Luxation or Subluxation)
Sometimes a tooth isn’t knocked out completely but is pushed inward, outward, or sideways in the socket. This is called tooth luxation and can damage the ligament, pulp, and supporting bone.
Signs may include:
- Tooth appearing crooked or loose
- Pain when biting down
- Bleeding from the gum around the tooth
Treatment varies from stabilisation and monitoring to root canal therapy, depending on severity.
4. Cracked Tooth or Root Fracture
Cracks that extend from the biting surface of the tooth toward the root can be hard to detect without dental imaging. These often occur from repeated trauma or one strong impact, like a blow during a tackle.
Symptoms might include:
- Pain when chewing
- Intermittent discomfort
- Sensitivity to temperature
Cracks may require a crown, root canal, or in severe cases, extraction.
5. Soft Tissue Injuries (Lips, Gums, Cheeks, and Tongue)
A blow to the mouth often results in cuts and bruises to the soft tissues. These injuries can be painful, bleed heavily, and leave scars, particularly if teeth or braces are involved.
First aid includes:
- Rinsing with warm salt water
- Applying pressure with gauze to stop bleeding
- Using a cold compress to reduce swelling
If bleeding doesn’t stop or wounds are deep, a visit to the dentist or GP is necessary.
6. Jaw Injuries and Fractures
Sports injuries can also result in jaw trauma. A fractured jaw or joint misalignment can lead to long-term complications, including:
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Pain in the jaw or ears
- Clicking or locking of the jaw joint (TMJ disorder)
Dentists may work with oral surgeons for proper treatment and long-term recovery.
Preventing Dental Injuries in Sport
The good news? Most sports-related dental injuries are preventable. The single most effective way to protect an athlete’s smile is by wearing a custom-fitted sports mouthguard.
Compared to store-bought or “boil-and-bite” versions, dentist-made mouthguards:
- Offer superior fit and comfort
- Stay in place during intense action
- Provide the best protection for teeth, gums, and jaws
Mouthguards should be worn during all contact sports and high-risk activities—including football, hockey, basketball, martial arts, skateboarding, and BMX riding.
The Takeaway
Dental injuries in sport are more common than you think—but they don’t have to be part of the game. Understanding the risks and signs of trauma is important, but prevention is key. A custom-fitted mouthguard offers peace of mind for parents and long-term protection for young athletes.
If your child plays sport regularly and hasn’t been fitted for a mouthguard, it’s a good idea to speak to your dentist before the next season kicks off.