How Calgary Athletes Can Avoid Dental Injuries and Emergencies
Dental injuries are common in Calgary sports, from hockey to soccer. This guide shows how to prevent them with practical steps, supported by research and local insights.
Why Dental Injuries Happen
In contact sports like hockey, football, and rugby, players often experience accidental hits from sticks, pucks, elbows, or collisions. Even in non-contact sports like soccer, a fall can cause serious dental trauma.
Youth hockey on local Calgary rinks is one of the biggest contributors to dental injuries.
A custom-fitted mouthguard dramatically lowers the risk of tooth loss and soft tissue injuries.
How Common Are These Injuries?
Studies show 13%-39% of all dental injuries are sports-related. In Alberta hockey, oral injuries make up 16% of reported injuries, highlighting the importance of prevention.
Mouthguards: Types and Effectiveness
Stock: Inexpensive, but poorly fitting.
Boil-and-bite: Better fit, still inconsistent.
Custom: Professionally made, proven to reduce dental injury risk by up to 93% in athletes.
Beyond Mouthguards: Other Protection
Full face shields in hockey reduce cuts and fractures.
Helmets protect jaw and head.
Staying hydrated keeps soft tissue resilient.
First Aid if an Injury Happens
Knocked-out tooth: Gently rinse, place back in socket or in milk, see dentist within 30 minutes.
Broken tooth: Save pieces, use cold compress.
Cut lip/tongue: Apply clean gauze, cold pack.
Suspected jaw fracture: Immobilize, seek immediate care.
Call to Action
Most sports dental injuries are preventable. Wearing a proper mouthguard and taking smart precautions saves your smile and keeps you in the game. Contact a Calgary dental professional for custom protection and emergency guidance.
