Whether you play a contact sport or enjoy high-intensity activity, being an athlete puts you at a higher risk for dental injuries. From accidental collisions to falls and equipment impact, the mouth often takes the brunt of the action. While protective gear helps, dental emergencies still happen—and knowing the most common ones can help you prepare, prevent, and respond effectively. Here are 4 dental emergencies athletes experience most often and what to do if they occur.
1. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsion)
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most serious dental emergencies athletes face. It typically occurs from direct impact—like getting hit by a ball, colliding with another player, or falling.
Why it’s serious: You have a small window (usually 30–60 minutes) to save the tooth.
What to do: Pick up the tooth by the crown (top), rinse gently if dirty, and place it back in the socket if possible. If not, store it in milk or a tooth preservation kit and get to an emergency dentist immediately. Quick action greatly increases your chances of saving the tooth.
2. Cracked or Fractured Teeth
Cracks and fractures are extremely common, especially in sports where hard objects—like hockey pucks or baseballs—can strike the face at high speeds. Even non-contact sports can cause fractures due to falls or grinding teeth during intense exertion.
Symptoms: Pain when biting, sensitivity, or visible lines/chips.
What to do: Rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress, and see a dentist as soon as possible. Avoid chewing on the injured side. Early treatment can prevent the crack from worsening.
3. Soft Tissue Injuries (Cuts to the Lips, Cheeks, or Tongue)
Athletes frequently experience cuts from accidental bites, braces, or impacts. These injuries can bleed heavily because the mouth is full of blood vessels.
What to do: Clean the area with warm water, apply pressure with gauze to stop bleeding, and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 to 15 minutes or the cut is deep, seek professional care.
4. Broken or Damaged Dental Appliances
Mouthguards, braces, retainers, and aligners can crack or break during sports. Braces in particular can cause painful poking wires or loosened brackets after impact.
What to do: For braces, use orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges and contact your orthodontist. If a mouthguard cracks, stop using it immediately—it won’t offer protection. Replace damaged appliances as soon as possible.
The best defense against dental emergencies is prevention. Custom-fitted mouthguards, helmets with face shields, and routine dental checkups significantly reduce your risk. For athletes, protecting your teeth is just as important as protecting your muscles and joints—because a healthy smile plays a big role in your performance and confidence.
About the Author
Dr. Carole Emanuel has more than 25 years of experience practicing dentistry! She is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Dentistry and has since amassed more than 500 hours of continuing education courses in topics like implant placement and restoration, esthetic dentistry, and more. Today, Dr. Emanuel holds a Fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction held by just 6 percent of dentists in the U.S. and Canada. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, schedule an appointment online or call (303) 986-0090.