There are numerous ways to experience dental trauma, some of which you might not expect. The term “dental trauma” might suggest that it can only happen in some sort of dramatic accident. But the truth is that some of the most common causes of dental injuries don’t involve heavy impact or hard collisions at all.
What causes dental injuries, and what can you do to avoid them? For the answers to those questions and more, check out this quick and easy guide to the most common dental injury culprits.
If you’re in need of expedient care for your dental injuries, Access Endodontics can help. Dr. Lina Jarboe, Dr. Burton Waxman, and their team of compassionate dental professionals can work quickly to save your teeth and get your oral health back on track. Contact your Columbia, Dorsey Hall dentist or give us a call at 410.304.7226 as soon as possible.
What Is a Traumatic Dental Injury?
Before we get into the causes of dental trauma, it’s important to understand exactly what a traumatic dental injury is.
A traumatic dental injury is an injury to the mouth resulting in any of the following:
- Broken teeth
- Loose teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Tooth pushed into the socket
- Tooth pushed out of the socket
- Soft tissue damage
Keep in mind that a traumatic dental injury causes more issues with your oral health the longer it goes untended. If you experience any of these scenarios, make sure to contact your dentist or endodontist right away.
What Causes Dental Injuries?
Below are some of the most common dental injury causes, along with some tips for how to avoid them.
1. Sports Injuries
Accidents during contact sports are among the most common causes of dental injuries. While there are plenty of rules in place to prevent these kinds of injuries, your best bet is to wear a mouthguard whenever you’re on the field, court, or pitch.
2. Slips and Falls
The average slip and fall isn’t one of the leading causes of dental trauma, but it definitely can happen.
Unfortunately, this is the type of accident that’s difficult to avoid because when and where a slip and fall might occur isn’t always easy to predict. You can, however, exercise greater caution in slippery areas, on uneven ground, and in places with obstacles.
3. Physical Altercations
It’s unfortunate, but physical altercations account for a large number of traumatic dental injuries. Steering clear of situations where violence may occur is easy in most cases, but not always.
If you want to avoid dental trauma from a physical altercation, identifying potentially dangerous situations and removing yourself from them as soon as possible is critical.
4. Car Accidents
It’s encouraging to learn that dental injuries from car accidents have decreased significantly over the years thanks to more effective safety features on vehicles. But while the numbers have dropped, it’s still possible for you to experience dental trauma whenever you’re driving.
To protect yourself from dental injuries in a car accident, always wear a seat belt and drive with caution.
5. Biting and Chewing
This is a very common cause of dental injury that you might not expect. Healthy teeth are generally strong, but biting down on the right object in just the right way can result in considerable damage to them regardless.
Avoid chewing on things like pen caps and ice, and always be considerate of your teeth when eating hard foods.
Treatment for Dental Injury from Access Endodontics
If you’re in need of emergency care due to a traumatic dental injury, contact your dentist or call Access Endodontics today at 410.304.7226.