Sports Injuries and Tooth Loss
Any contact sport involves some element of risk. Among those risks is the possibility of tooth loss. This is a very real potential consequence of taking part in a number of sports, from the likes of football and rugby to combat sports such as boxing and mixed martial arts.
Tooth loss in rugby, for example, is not uncommon, which is hardly surprising given the abrasive nature of the game – and the physical size of many of the participants.
In football, the days of the stereotypical centre-back with missing teeth, who has probably suffered a broken nose at some point as well, is perhaps a thing of the past. But even in that sport, a boot in the face or stray elbow from an opponent is still a possibility.
And in combat sports, dental damage can almost be, to use a term from a much less dangerous sport, par for the course. Bear in mind that in sports like boxing and MMA, mouthguards are used, and yet, on occasions, the impact of blow is such that teeth still get damaged or even knocked out.
A prime example of this would be west London’s former super-middleweight world champion James Degale, who lost teeth in a title fight against American Andre Dirrell in 2015. It can happen.
This is a problem, because oral health is hugely important for athletes. Poor oral health can impact performance because it can cause pain and discomfort – the last thing an athlete needs when dealing with an already challenging lifestyle. Research has also shown a clear link between oral and general health, so as athletes rely so heavily on their well-being and physical robustness, the importance of oral health for them cannot be overstated.
For those who have damaged or lost teeth, there is a solution: dental implants. This option has become increasingly popular, both with athletes and the general public. Gone are the days when tooth loss is inevitably permanent.
Common Sports-Related Dental Injuries
Dental injuries can occur in many forms. Teeth can be fractured or chipped, or avulsed (knocked out) completely. Root fractures and nerve damage are also possible.
The risk to sportspeople is obvious. In rugby, blows to the face are common and the force with which these big athletes connect with each other means there is always a risk to teeth. In combat sports like boxing, it’s part and parcel of the business that mouth damage, which can include damage to teeth, can occur, given the heavy blows professionals with 9oz gloves pound each other with.
The Impact of Tooth Loss on Athletes
The fall-out – pardon the pun – from tooth loss should not be underestimated.
It can adversely affect speech, leading to significant communication issues. Bite and jaw alignment can also be affected. Another potential issue is long-term oral health complications such as bone loss or shifting teeth.
There is also the obvious aesthetic impact. This is not merely about self-confidence – let’s be honest, a boxer or footballer with damaged or missing teeth just doesn’t look as imposing or impressive to their opponent. In that sense, appearance can have a genuinely negative impact on results.
Why Dental Implants Are the Best Solution
So why are dental implants the best course of action? Simply put, they are long-lasting, durable, look and feel natural and also preserve or restore the ability to perform natural functions such as eating and speaking as well as preserving jawbone structure – all pretty important!
Comparing Dental Implants to Other Options
There are other options.
Bridges, for example, can play a role in terms of improving aesthetics and maintaining ability to chew, eat and so on. They are quick and easy to install as they don’t require a major procedure. They are also non-removable, meaning they stay in place. And they’re arguably a cost-effective option given that they are often cheaper than dental implants.
But, to use a common phrase, you get what you pay for. Bridges last for a matter of years, whereas implants are permanent, so are they actually cost-effective?
And while definitely an option, bridges don’t resolve key issues. Crucially, they sit above the gum line. This means they don’t address the issues of bone loss or tooth decay, plus teeth next to a gap are often reshaped, which can lead to damage over time. There’s even a risk of nerve damage, too.
Dentures are of course a well established option going back many, many years. But the reasons why they wouldn’t be ideal for athletes are obvious. Athletes simply can’t afford to run the risk of dentures becoming loose or falling out during training or, worse, when competing.
So in terms of stability, longevity and a range of performance benefits, dental implants are by far the best option for athletes.
Preventing Sports-Related Tooth Loss
The best option, that is, apart from minimising the chances of needing implants in the first place.
As mentioned, even competitors using mouthguards can suffer tooth loss. This highlights the importance of custom-fit mouthguards – it’s amazing how many boxers and rugby players, for example, just shove in a random mouthguard and think that’s enough.
Regular dental check-ups for athletes are also an essential preventative measure in order to spot any potential problems. A culture of seeking to protect oral health in sport has to be the best way forward.
Conclusion
If tooth loss does occur, it’s vital that immediate steps are taken.
And the main step should be to visit a dental specialist for advice on implants. In terms of feel, appearance, functionality, durability and all-round value for money, they’re by far the best option.
