Sports Dentistry

Athletics is one of the leading causes of dental emergencies. Oral injuries during sports are never expected, but they are common, and can result in discomfort and expensive dental treatment. Dr. Kennedy is committed to helping prevent sports-related injuries and manage them when they happen — alleviating pain and preventing the injury from causing more serious dental problems down the road.

Sports-Related Dental Injuries

Contact and collision sports put athletes at risk of injuries including:

• An avulsed (knocked-out) tooth
• Fractured or cracked tooth
• Fractured tooth root
• Tooth intrusion (driven back into the jaw)
• Broken facial bones
• Trauma to the mouth causing lacerations or bleeding

Sports with higher risk of dental injuries include:

• Football
• Hockey
• Basketball
• Field hockey
• Lacrosse
• Wrestling and boxing
• Water polo
• Volleyball

The best way to prevent a sports-related dental injury is to wear the proper protective equipment — a helmet, face mask or custom-fitted mouthguard that shields the teeth, lips, tongue and other hard and soft tissues from injury. Custom protection also guards against TMJ damage.

Why Not Boil and Bite?

When a mouthguard is not custom-made by a dental professional, it tends to be bulky and uncomfortable, making it difficult to breathe or talk. Kids are less likely to wear bulky guards, which puts them at risk. Standard mouthguards can push the jaw forward, causing headaches, bite problems and TMJ disorder — and even spine misalignment, affecting strength, balance and athletic ability.

Boil-and-bite guards also wear down faster, putting the wearer at risk. While some patients claim store-bought guards suit their needs, custom-made high-quality mouthguards are always the safer and more comfortable choice.

Play Harder with Customized Sports Mouthguards

Our specialized mouthguards hold the jaw securely in the most natural position, allowing the muscles in your face and neck to relax. This relaxed position and correct bite results in the flawless alignment and function of the entire upper body — many patients report increased upper body strength, greater flexibility and better balance.

Our sports mouthguards protect the teeth, jawbone, lips, cheeks, gums and tongue. They are lightweight, durable, easy to clean, and don't impede speech or breathing. Dr. Kennedy will provide complete instructions for wearing and caring for your mouthguard and can recommend when to replace it as kids grow or guards wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sports dentistry?

Sports dentistry is a branch of dentistry focused on the prevention and treatment of oral injuries and conditions related to athletic performance.

How does oral health impact athletic performance?

Athletes can be more prone to tooth loss, trauma and dry mouth. Poor oral health can lead to severe pain, which serves as a distraction on the field. Establishing good oral health practices — including the use of a mouthguard — can prevent many of these issues.

What should I do if my tooth is knocked out while playing?

• Locate the tooth and handle it by the crown, not the root
• Only use water — rinse gently; never scrub or use chemicals
• Seek help right away — treatment within 30 minutes increases the chance the tooth can be saved