What Is Sports Dentistry?
Sports dentistry combines dentistry + sports medicine to protect athletes’ teeth, gums, jaws, and facial structures.
It includes:
Preventing injuries (mouthguards, helmets, bite analysis)
Managing trauma (broken teeth, cuts, jaw fractures)
Enhancing performance through proper jaw alignment
Educating athletes and coaches
Why Athletes Need Sports Dentistry
Sports (especially contact or high-speed sports) carry a high risk of dental injuries.
Common risky sports:
Football
Cricket
Basketball
Boxing / MMA
Hockey
Cycling
Gymnastics
Skating
Children and teens have higher risk because they are more active and often don’t use protection.
Common Injuries Treated by a Sports Dentist
1. Tooth Fractures
Chipped or broken teeth during impact.
2. Tooth Avulsion
Tooth completely knocked out — needs urgent treatment within 30 minutes.
3. Tooth Luxation
Tooth becomes loose or displaced.
4. Soft Tissue Injuries
Cuts to lips, tongue, cheek.
5. Jaw Injuries
Dislocation or fractures (common in contact sports).
6. TMJ Problems
Pain or clicking in the jaw.
7. Concussion-Related Oral Damage
Teeth grinding, muscle spasm after impact.
Role of a Sports Dentist
1. Custom-Made Mouthguards
The most important tool in sports dentistry.
They protect:
Teeth
Jaw joint
Lips & cheeks
Reduce concussion risk
Custom guards fit better, stay in place, and allow proper breathing.
2. Emergency Dental Care
Immediate treatment for:
Knocked-out teeth
Fractured teeth
Bleeding gums
Soft-tissue cuts
3. Preventive Screening
Checking:
Cavity risk
Loose teeth
Gum health
Jaw alignment
Bruxism (teeth grinding)
4. Performance Enhancement
Correct jaw alignment can:
Improve breathing
Increase oxygen intake
Boost athletic endurance
Some athletes use performance mouthguards designed for better posture and breathing.
5. Education
For athletes, coaches, and parents:
How to prevent injuries
What to do in emergencies
Safe hydration and diet habits
Types of Mouthguards
Stock Mouthguards
Pre-made
Cheapest
Poor fit → least protection
Boil-and-Bite Guards
Softened in hot water
Better than stock
Still not ideal
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards (Best)
Made by a dentist
Best comfort, stability, and protection
Recommended for all competitive athletes
If a Tooth Gets Knocked Out (Emergency Steps)
Pick it up by the crown (not the root)
Rinse gently with water (don’t scrub)
Keep it in milk, saliva, or place back in socket
Reach a dentist within 30 minutes
Success rate drops drastically after 1 hour.
Sports Dentistry for Kids
Children need extra protection because:
Their enamel is thinner
They fall more often
Mixed dentition (baby + adult teeth)
Custom mouthguards for kids are especially recommended.