Football season is in full swing, and as dental professionals, we love the game but hate what a damaging blow to the mouth can do to your teeth. McFarland Orthodontics wants you to be fully prepared in case a trauma to the mouth happens on or off the football field.

Dealing with a crack or chip can be very painful, but not extremely alarming compared to other injuries. Capping a chip with a crown or sealing a crack can seem minuscule compared to when you actually break or lose a tooth.

When a tooth is knocked loose and falls out, it is possible for your dentist replant the tooth with little to no damage if you follow some simple tips:

1. Be very careful to not touch the root of the tooth. Cementum, which covers the root of the tooth, is fragile and the tissues that surround the nerve at this part of the tooth are extremely delicate at this time. Hold the tooth only by the crown (the hard outer part of the tooth.)
2. If the tooth has dirt or debris on it, do not rub it to get it off. Gently rinse it in a bowl of lukewarm water. Even running it under a faucet could damage the tissues.
3. Call your dentist and get into the office as soon as possible.
4. Keep the tooth between your cheek and gums while you are on your way to the dentist, or in a cup of lukewarm milk. If you have an ADA approved tooth-saving solution readily available, it is safe to use that.
5. When you get to your dentist, be sure to tell them exactly what happened so they can do their best to restore your tooth and fix the damage done.

The best ways to keep your teeth healthy and strong are by wearing a mouth guard during sports, eating healthy foods, brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly. However accidents do happen, and if you can remain calm and contact your dentist at as soon as possible, your teeth and smile will be just fine.

Need further assistance? McFarland Orthodontics is always available to help answer any questions you may have. Simply call us at 972-221-1515.