Sports and recreational activities bring excitement, teamwork, and physical challengesbut they can also bring unexpected injuries, especially to the mouth and teeth. Whether its a flying ball, a fall, or contact with another player, dental trauma on the field requires immediate, calm, and informed action. At McLevin Dental Clinic, we know that how you respond in the first few minutes after a tooth injury can greatly impact recovery and long-term oral health.
This blog outlines how to respond effectively to a tooth injury during a game or sports activity, helping athletes, coaches, and parents take the right steps before reaching a dental professional.
Common Tooth Injuries During Sports
Tooth injuries on the field can range in severity, and recognizing the type of injury is the first step in managing it:
Chipped or fractured tooth: A portion of the tooth breaks off
Luxated (displaced) tooth: The tooth is loosened or moved out of position
Avulsed (knocked-out) tooth: The entire tooth is knocked out of the socket
Tooth intrusion: The tooth is pushed inward into the gum
Soft tissue injuries: Cuts or bruises to the lips, tongue, or gums
Each situation calls for a slightly different response, but one principle remains consistentprompt attention matters.
Immediate Steps to Take on the Field
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Whether youre the athlete or the responder, stay calm. Check for signs of serious head, neck, or jaw injuries first. If the individual has lost consciousness or complains of dizziness, seek emergency medical help before addressing the tooth injury.
2. Inspect the Mouth
Quickly examine the injured persons mouth. Check for:
Missing or loose teeth
Visible cracks or chips
Bleeding around gums or lips
Swelling, bruising, or signs of intrusion
Document the injury with photos if possiblethis can help the dental team assess the trauma later.
3. Handle Knocked-Out Teeth Correctly
If a permanent tooth has been knocked out, heres what to do:
Pick up the tooth by the crown (top part), not the root
If dirty, gently rinse it with saline or milkdo not scrub or dry it
Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket if the person is alert and cooperative
If reinsertion isnt possible, store the tooth in cold milk, saline solution, or the injured persons saliva
Seek emergency dental care within 3060 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth
For baby teeth, do not attempt to reinsert. Store the tooth and bring it to the dentist to determine if any further action is needed.
4. Control Bleeding and Reduce Swelling
Apply gentle pressure using gauze or a clean cloth to control bleeding. To reduce pain and swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek. This is especially helpful in cases of chipped teeth, lip injuries, or bruising.
5. Avoid Eating or Drinking
Do not allow the athlete to eat or drink, especially if theyve sustained a dental injury. This helps prevent further trauma and reduces the risk of aspiration or contamination.
When to Seek Immediate Dental Care
All dental injuriesno matter how minor they seemshould be evaluated by a professional. Call McLevin Dental Clinic or your local emergency dentist immediately if:
A tooth is knocked out, displaced, or intruded
There is persistent bleeding that wont stop with pressure
The athlete cannot close their mouth properly
Pain or sensitivity increases over time
A piece of the tooth is lost or cracked down to the nerve
Quick intervention can mean the difference between saving a natural tooth and needing more invasive procedures like root canals, extractions, or implants.
How to Prevent Tooth Injuries During Sports
Preventive strategies can dramatically reduce the risk of dental trauma on the field:
Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard during any contact or high-risk sport
Use helmets or face shields in sports like hockey or football
Teach safe play techniques and reinforce rules
Avoid chewing on hard objects like water bottle caps, which can crack teeth
Encouraging athletes to use protective gear and be aware of dental safety can help minimize incidents and injuries.
Trust McLevin Dental Clinic for Dental Emergency Support
At McLevin Dental Clinic in Scarborough, we provide fast, compassionate care for dental emergencies, including sports-related injuries. If you or your child suffers a tooth injury on the field, our team is ready to actoffering accurate diagnostics, pain relief, and restorative treatment as needed.