Mouthguards matter during winter sports
Many sports dental injuries are preventable with a properly fitted mouthguard. Custom mouthguards provide significantly better protection than store-bought options and are especially important for junior and contact sports players. These are custom-made for comfort and can also be customized to reflect your team’s colours.
Winter sports injuries can happen in an instant, but many dental injuries are preventable with a properly fitted custom mouthguard. If you or your child plays contact sport, speak to our team about a professionally fitted mouthguard for better protection this season. You may be entitled to a ‘gap-free’ mouthguard, depending on your health fund cover.
What to do if you chip or knock out a tooth during winter sports
With winter sports season about to get underway in South Australia, we often see an increase in dental injuries from soccer, football, netball, basketball and weekend sports. A collision, fall or accidental elbow can happen in seconds… and suddenly you’re dealing with a chipped or knocked-out tooth. Knowing what to do immediately after the injury can make a huge difference in saving the tooth and reducing long-term damage.
What to do if you chip a tooth
A chipped tooth might seem minor, but even a small fracture can worsen or become painful if left untreated. Even small chips can expose the inner layers of the tooth, increasing the risk of infection and further breakage. Follow these basic first aid steps if a tooth chips during sport:
• Rinse your mouth gently with warm water
• Save any broken tooth fragments if possible
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Avoid chewing on the injured side
• Contact a dentist as soon as possible
What to do if a tooth is knocked out
A knocked-out adult tooth is a time-critical dental emergency. Acting quickly gives the best chance of saving it. Here is a basic step-by-step emergency guide:
1. Find the tooth immediately
Pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root.
2. If dirty, rinse gently
Use milk or clean water for a few seconds.
Do not scrub or use soap.
3. Try to place it back in the socket
If this is possible, gently hold it in place by biting on gauze or a clean cloth.
Important: Baby teeth should not be put back into the socket.
4. If you cannot reinsert it, keep it moist
Place the tooth in:
• Milk (best option)
• Saliva (inside cheek)
• A tooth preservation kit (if available)
5. Contact our friendly team for advice over the phone
Ideally within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
If a dental injury happens during sport, seeking professional advice quickly can make all the difference. Contact Essential Dental on (08) 8251 7677 and we will organise an appointment at our Golden Grove dental clinic as soon as possible.