Summer is the perfect time for outdoor fun, family vacations, and sports. Whether you’re playing baseball, soccer, skateboarding, or mountain biking, summer sports are a great way to stay active. But with all that activity comes a greater risk for dental injuries. From cracked teeth to knocked-out molars, summer sports can take a toll on your smile if you’re not careful.
At Emergency Dentist in Vancouver, we see an uptick in dental emergencies every summer, most of which are preventable. Here’s how to keep you and your kids’ teeth safe while enjoying your favorite outdoor activities.
The Most Common Summer Sports Dental Injuries
Before we talk about prevention, it’s important to understand what kind of injuries athletes are at risk for:
- Chipped or cracked teeth from hard falls or balls hitting the mouth
- Knocked-out teeth (also called avulsed teeth) from contact or trauma
- Fractured roots from impact injuries
- Tooth intrusion, where the tooth is pushed back into the jawbone
- Soft tissue injuries like cuts to the lips, tongue, or gums
These injuries can happen in an instant, but they can have long-term consequences if not treated quickly. That’s why it’s important to know how to protect yourself and what to do in case of an emergency.
Wear a Custom Mouth Guard
One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent sports-related dental injuries is by wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards act as shock absorbers, protecting your teeth, gums, cheeks, and jaw from impact.
While store-bought versions are available, a custom mouthguard fitted by your dentist provides the best protection and comfort. It’s especially important for high-contact sports like:
- Football
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Skateboarding
- Martial arts
If your child wears braces, a mouthguard is even more critical to avoid cuts and broken brackets.
Dental Emergencies Caused by Bruxism
It's common to see athletes chew on ice or bite down on water bottle caps, but these habits can quickly lead to cracked teeth or broken restorations. Remind young athletes to keep non-food items out of their mouths and discourage chewing on anything that isn’t edible.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Strong, healthy teeth are less likely to suffer severe damage during a fall or impact. Make sure your oral hygiene routine is on point:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once a day
- Use an antibacterial mouth rinse if recommended
- Visit your family dentist in Vancouver for routine cleanings and exams
Preventive care keeps your teeth strong and helps catch small problems before they turn into emergencies.
What to Do If a Dental Emergency Happens
Despite your best efforts, accidents can still happen. If you or your child suffers a dental injury during a summer activity, stay calm and act quickly. Here's what to do:
- Knocked-out tooth? Pick it up by the tooth, rinse it gently (no scrubbing), and place it in a glass of milk or under the tongue. Call us at the emergency dental clinic in Vancouver, WA, immediately.
- Chipped or cracked tooth? Rinse the mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and save any broken pieces.
- Soft tissue injury? Clean the area with water and apply gentle pressure with gauze to stop the bleeding.
Time is crucial during dental emergencies. Our experienced team is available to provide fast, expert care when you need it most.
Schedule a Pre-Season Checkup
Before the summer sports season ramps up, schedule a checkup with your family dentist in Vancouver. We’ll ensure your teeth are in top shape, recommend preventive steps like mouthguards, and address any existing concerns that could worsen during activity.
Keep Smiles Safe This Summer
Summer sports are a fun and healthy way to stay active — just don’t forget to protect your teeth while you’re at it. With the right preparation and a solid dental care routine, you can help prevent injuries and avoid emergency trips to the dentist.
Need a custom mouthguard or have questions about dental injury prevention? Contact our team today — we’re here to keep your smile strong and safe all summer long.