Dental Care for Athletes: Prevention & Treatment
Sports dentistry focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental injuries and oral conditions related to athletic activity. Whether you’re a professional athlete, weekend warrior, or student competitor, protecting your teeth, jaw, and soft tissues is essential for performance, safety, and long-term oral health.
At Dr. Ueckert & Associates, we specialize in custom sports mouthguards, emergency dental care, and post-injury restoration, ensuring that athletes can stay in the game and avoid unnecessary dental trauma.
Why Is Sports Dentistry Important?
Many sports involve high-impact movements and physical contact, putting athletes at risk for dental injuries, concussions, and jaw fractures. Studies show that:
- 13-39% of all dental injuries are sports-related.
- Athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental trauma.
- Custom-fitted mouthguards can reduce dental injuries by up to 93%.
Beyond injury prevention, sports dentists also address oral health concerns specific to athletes, including:
- Tooth wear and erosion from energy drinks and acidic diets.
- Jaw alignment issues affecting performance and comfort.
- Bruxism (teeth grinding) caused by intense training or stress.
Common Sports-Related Dental Injuries
- Fractured or chipped teeth – Impact injuries can cause cracks, fractures, or full breakage of a tooth.
- Tooth avulsion (knocked-out teeth) – A sudden blow can completely dislodge a tooth, requiring immediate emergency care.
- Lip, cheek, or tongue injuries – Without protection, the soft tissues can be cut or punctured during play.
- Jaw fractures and dislocations – Hard hits can cause serious structural damage to the jaw and TMJ.
- Concussions linked to dental trauma – The force of impact on the jaw can contribute to brain injuries.
Protecting Your Teeth with Custom Sports Mouthguards
A properly fitted sports mouthguard is one of the most effective ways to prevent dental injuries during physical activity.
- Shock absorption – Reduces impact forces that can damage teeth and soft tissues.
- Custom fit for comfort – Unlike store-bought mouthguards, custom-made options fit snugly and allow for better breathing and speaking.
- Reduces risk of concussions – Helps distribute impact forces to minimize jaw and head injuries.
- Improves athletic performance – A well-fitted mouthguard won’t distract athletes or interfere with breathing.
Treatment for Sports-Related Dental Injuries
If a dental injury does occur, quick and effective treatment can help preserve teeth and restore function. At Dr. Ueckert & Associates, we offer:
- Emergency dental care for knocked-out, fractured, or displaced teeth.
- Dental bonding & crowns to repair chipped or cracked teeth.
- Root canal therapy to save severely damaged teeth.
- Dental implants & bridges to replace lost teeth and restore function.
- TMJ treatment for jaw pain or dislocations caused by impact injuries.
Beyond Injuries: Addressing Athlete-Specific Oral Health Concerns
Athletes are prone to certain oral health risks beyond injuries, including:
- Dehydration & dry mouth – Reduced saliva flow increases the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Acidic diet concerns – Frequent consumption of sports drinks and energy gels can lead to tooth erosion.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) – High-intensity training and stress can cause excessive wear on teeth.
- Jaw alignment & bite issues – Poor alignment can impact breathing, endurance, and muscle tension.
Our team provides preventive care and custom treatment plans to help athletes maintain optimal oral health and peak performance.
Why Choose Dr. Ueckert & Associates for Sports Dentistry?
- Custom sports mouthguards designed for maximum protection and comfort.
- Expert emergency and restorative dental care for injured athletes.
- Focus on performance, injury prevention, and long-term oral health.
- Specialized treatment plans tailored to active individuals.
