Fall Sports & Dental Injuries

Quick, calm action, and a little preparation, can make all the difference when a tooth takes a hit this fall.

The Season of Sports and Smiles

Fall brings crisp air, colorful leaves, and a surge of sports activity; from school soccer and football games to local wrestling tournaments. With the excitement, however, comes an increased risk of dental injuries. According to Dr. Rozanski of Rozanski Family Dentistry in New Hartford, these incidents are rare but critical when they occur.

“In more than a decade, our practice has seen very little true dental trauma cases that required immediate care,” says Dr. Rozanski. “They don’t happen often, but when they do, how you respond in those first few minutes makes all the difference.”

Dental trauma can range from chipped or displaced teeth to complete tooth loss. Each situation requires a slightly different response, especially when children are involved.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Dental Injury

When a tooth is knocked out or severely damaged, staying calm and acting fast can help save the tooth.

• If a tooth is completely knocked out (and not broken): Handle it carefully by the crown (the part you see when you smile), not the root. If possible, rinse it gently, never scrub, and try to place it back into the socket. If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk or a specialized solution like “Save-A-Tooth” until you can see a dentist. “A dry tooth loses its vitality quickly,” explains Dr. Rozanski. “Keeping it moist, ideally in milk, can extend the treatment window for up to 24 hours.”
• If the tooth is chipped or displaced: Rinse your mouth gently with warm water, control bleeding with gauze or a clean cloth, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Even if the injury doesn’t seem severe, a quick dental exam is essential, since nerve damage or infection can occur later.
  
• For children aged 7–9: The adult teeth are still developing. In these cases, sometimes monitoring is preferred over immediate procedures. “Immature teeth can sometimes heal on their own because their roots aren’t fully formed,” Dr. Rozanski says. “It’s a reminder that every case is different, sometimes the best thing we can do is give the body time to recover.”

The Role of Mouthguards and Protective Gear

While football and hockey players are well-known for wearing mouthguards, other sports, like basketball and soccer, see more injuries precisely because players often skip this step. Mouthguards not only protect teeth from being knocked out, but also cushion the jaw and reduce the risk of concussions.

Rozanski Family Dentistry encourages parents, coaches, and athletes to treat mouthguards as standard safety gear.

“No single sport dominates dental trauma,” Dr. Rozanski notes. “But what we consistently see is that the athletes who wear mouthguards, no matter the sport, tend to avoid major injury.”

He also recommends that coaches keep a Save-A-Tooth kit on hand during games and practices. These small, inexpensive containers are available at most pharmacies and can preserve a dislodged tooth until professional treatment is possible.

When to Seek Urgent Dental Care

If you’re unsure whether a situation requires immediate attention, consider these guidelines:

• If a tooth is knocked out, broken, or displaced, see a dentist within an hour.
• If there’s severe pain, swelling, or bleeding that doesn’t stop, contact your dentist or an emergency clinic.
• For head injuries or suspected concussions, visit the emergency room first before seeing your dentist.

Even if the tooth seems fine, follow up with a dental exam. Sometimes discoloration or nerve damage appears months or even years after the injury.

Fall Favorites and Tooth-Friendly Treats

As fall rolls in, so do holiday treats. Dr. Rozanski reminds patients that not all candies are created equal when it comes to dental health.

“Sticky or hard candies cling to teeth and increase the risk of decay,” he says. “If you’re going to indulge, chocolate is your best option, it melts away and is easier to clean off your teeth.”

Rozanski Family Dentistry recommends chocolate-based treats like Hershey’s bars or Reese’s cups as safer seasonal indulgences.

A Season for Prevention and Preparedness

This fall, as families enjoy sports, school, and seasonal fun, remember that dental safety is part of overall wellness. Equip your athletes with mouthguards, know where to find a Save-A-Tooth kit, and keep Rozanski Family Dentistry’s number handy for emergencies.

Because even in the middle of the action, a little preparation can mean the difference between losing a tooth, and keeping your smile in the game.