Hockey season is upon us, a time when the air is crisp, arenas are bustling, and players lace up their skates to dash across the ice. For Canadians and sports enthusiasts alike, it’s a season filled with exhilaration and camaraderie.
However, given the sport’s fast-paced and contact-heavy nature, dental mishaps are all too common in hockey. White Tooth Dental offers this guide to common dental injuries, safety tips, and emergency dentistry treatments like cracked tooth repair.
The Most Frequent Offenders Requiring Emergency Dentistry
While hockey is a spectacle to behold, it comes with its fair share of dental hazards. A stray puck, an unintentional elbow, or a collision with the boards can quickly turn a friendly match into a dental emergency. Among the most common injuries, according to the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association, are:
- Lacerations and Contusions
- Broken Teeth
- Knocked-Out Teeth
You could end up needing emergency dentistry, cracked tooth repair, root canals, and even tooth replacements at White Tooth Dental.
The Stats Speak for Themselves
The prevalence of dental injuries in hockey is not solely due to the sport’s physicality. Factors like a lack of proper protective equipment, inadequate preparation, and sometimes simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time all contribute.
Overall, up to 16% of injuries in hockey are dental. Yet in a survey, almost half of players—45.6%—never wore a sports guard. In the same survey, over 30% of respondents had experienced past oral injuries. These statistics emphasize the importance of awareness and precaution.
Gear Up for Safety
Prevention is always better than cure. If you don’t want to wind up needing cracked tooth repair or more, protective gear is your first line of defense. Mouthguards are indispensable, acting as a cushion that absorbs impact and protects your teeth from direct hits. Helmets with full face shields or cages offer additional protection, safeguarding your entire face from stray sticks and pucks.
Boost Your Dental Health
Maintaining robust dental health is another key aspect of injury prevention. A strong set of teeth is less likely to break and require cracked tooth repair or tooth replacement. Regular dental checkups, a balanced diet rich in calcium, and diligent oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing can fortify your teeth against potential harm.
What to Do in a Hockey Dental Emergency
Despite all precautions, accidents can still happen. If you find yourself facing a dental injury on the ice, the first step is to stay calm. For a knocked-out tooth, try to reinsert it gently into the socket if possible or place it in a container of milk to preserve it temporarily. For broken teeth, collect any fragments and rinse your mouth with warm water.
Seeking Emergency Dental Care
Once immediate actions are taken, seeking professional dental care at our Toronto office is crucial. Contact our emergency dentist as soon as possible to arrange an appointment for cracked tooth repair or reimplantation. Prompt treatment can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth, so time is of the essence.
What to Expect During Treatment
At the dental clinic, expect a thorough examination of the injury. Our dental emergency care involves assessing the damage and recommending appropriate treatment. Cracked teeth can benefit from fillings, dental bonding, or tooth crowns. We also offer more complex procedures like root canals and extractions. Once we provide immediate care, we give you aftercare instructions and follow-up to check on your recovery.
Don’t Wait for a Dental Emergency
Hockey is a thrilling sport that captivates players and fans alike. While the potential for dental mishaps is real, awareness and preparation can go a long way in keeping your smile intact. By understanding common injuries, investing in proper gear, and knowing how to act in emergencies, you can enjoy the season with peace of mind.
To enhance your protection, book a consultation at White Tooth Dental to explore options like custom mouthguards. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call +1 416-766-4535. Our local dental clinic, experienced in handling sports-related injuries, is ready to assist. Don’t wait until it’s too late—gear up, play safe, and keep your smile bright throughout this hockey season.
