Sports collisions are one of the leading causes of dental emergencies, especially in children, teens, and young adults. Whether it’s a stray elbow in a basketball game, a hockey puck to the mouth, or a hard fall during soccer, dental trauma can happen fastand the response in those first few minutes can determine the outcome.
At McLevin Dental Clinic, we understand the urgency of treating sports-related dental injuries. Prompt action can mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth. In this guide, we break down the most common sports dental injuries, how to manage them on the field or court, and when to seek emergency dental care.
Common Dental Injuries from Sports Collisions
During high-impact sports or contact play, the mouth is especially vulnerable to trauma. The most common injuries seen in dental emergencies following sports collisions include:
Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth
Cracked, chipped, or fractured teeth
Tooth displacement or loosening
Soft tissue injuries (gums, lips, cheeks)
Jaw injuries or fractures
Broken dental appliances (e.g., braces, retainers)
Understanding how to identify and react to each type of injury helps prevent further complications and increases the chance of a full recovery.
Immediate Steps After a Dental Injury
When a dental injury occurs during a game or practice, time is critical. Immediate care should focus on controlling bleeding, preserving any knocked-out teeth, and preventing infection or further trauma.
1. Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Permanent Tooth
This is one of the most serious dental emergencies and requires urgent action.
What to do:
Pick up the tooth by the crown (top), never the root
Rinse gently with water if dirty (no scrubbing)
Attempt to reinsert the tooth into the socket if possible
If reinsertion isn’t feasible, place the tooth in milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation kit
Seek emergency dental care within 3060 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth
Do not attempt to reinsert a baby tooth, as this can damage the developing permanent tooth beneath it.
2. Cracked, Chipped, or Fractured Tooth
A blow to the mouth can cause varying degrees of damage to a tooths structure.
Emergency care:
Rinse the mouth with warm water
Save any broken pieces if possible
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
Avoid using the injured side to bite or chew
Schedule a same-day emergency dental visit for evaluation and treatment
Even small fractures can lead to nerve exposure or infection if left untreated.
3. Dislodged or Loose Tooth
A tooth thats partially pushed in, pulled out, or shifted out of position requires immediate professional attention.
What to do:
Apply light pressure to realign the tooth if it’s safe and not painful
Avoid wiggling or biting down on the tooth
Visit your emergency dentist immediately to stabilize the tooth and prevent root damage
Time is essential to avoid permanent loss of the tooth or the need for extraction.
4. Soft Tissue Injuries
Cuts and lacerations to the lips, cheeks, or tongue can cause significant bleeding.
First aid tips:
Clean the area gently with water or saline
Apply direct pressure using gauze or a clean cloth
Use a cold compress for swelling
If bleeding doesnt stop in 1520 minutes, seek urgent care
Lacerations that are deep or cause large amounts of bleeding may require stitches or medical evaluation in addition to dental care.
5. Damaged Dental Appliances
If the patient wears braces, a mouthguard, or retainers, trauma can cause these to break, loosen, or embed into soft tissue.
Response guidelines:
Remove the appliance only if its loose and not causing further injury
If a wire or bracket is embedded in soft tissue, leave it in place and seek emergency dental or orthodontic care
Store damaged appliances and bring them to your appointment
Do not attempt to bend or fix them at home
Broken dental devices can cause cuts, gum irritation, or worsen dental alignment issues if not handled properly.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care
You should contact McLevin Dental Clinic or visit an emergency dentist immediately if you notice:
Knocked-out or loose permanent teeth
Persistent bleeding that wont stop
Swelling of the face or jaw
Difficulty breathing, speaking, or swallowing
Loss of consciousness (may indicate a concussion)
Broken jaw symptoms (e.g., inability to close mouth, misaligned bite)
We provide same-day emergency appointments and are equipped to handle sports-related dental trauma with the highest level of care and urgency.
The Role of Mouthguards in Prevention
Many dental sports injuries are preventable. The consistent use of a custom-fitted mouthguard can reduce the risk of oral injuries by up to 60%.
At McLevin Dental Clinic, we recommend custom mouthguards for athletes of all ages, especially those in contact sports such as:
Hockey
Football
Boxing
Rugby
Basketball
Martial arts
Unlike store-bought or boil-and-bite options, custom guards are tailored to your bite, offering better protection, comfort, and durability.
Recovery and Follow-Up Care
After receiving emergency treatment, recovery from a sports-related dental injury often involves:
Dental imaging (X-rays or scans) to assess hidden damage
Follow-up visits to monitor healing
Temporary or permanent restorations (crowns, bonding, or implants)
Root canal therapy if nerves or pulp are affected
Rest and avoidance of sports activity until healing is complete
The earlier the injury is assessed, the more options are available to save the tooth or minimize long-term damage.
Final Thoughts
Sports are a vital part of physical and social developmentbut they do come with dental risks. Knowing how to respond to a dental emergency after a sports collision can protect your smile and prevent lifelong complications.