From the Pitch to the Dentist’s Chair: What to Do If You Lose a Tooth Playing Sports

Dental injuries are more common than you might expect in sport. And while losing a tooth to a fast moving cricket ball, a rogue elbow or a fall might sound like the stuff of Sunday League horror, there are things you can do to reduce the risk. In this article, we're looking at reducing the risk of dental injuries in sport and also what to do in the event you find yourself losing a tooth mid game.

Contents

Losing a tooth while playing sport might sound like something straight out of a Sunday league horror story, but it’s more common than you might think. Whether it’s a clattering challenge in football, an unlucky elbow in rugby, or even a rogue cricket ball, dental injuries can and do happen. So, if you ever find yourself or a teammate staring at a pearly white on the ground instead of in your mouth, here’s exactly what you need to do.

How Common Are Dental Injuries in Grassroots Sport?

The short answer? More common than you’d like. Studies suggest that around 30% of sports-related injuries involve the face, with dental trauma being a significant part of that (source: British Journal of Sports Medicine). Contact sports like rugby, football, hockey, and boxing see their fair share of lost or damaged teeth. However, even non-contact sports like cycling and basketball can lead to unexpected collisions resulting in a trip to the dentist.

Unlike the pros, most grassroots athletes don’t have access to high-end protective gear or a team dentist on standby, making proper preparation and quick action all the more important.

What Should You Do Immediately After Losing a Tooth?

So, you’ve taken a knock, and now your tooth is lying on the ground. What next? Speed is key here, as acting quickly could mean the difference between saving your natural tooth or needing a replacement.

  1. Find the tooth – Pick it up by the crown (the white part) and avoid touching the root.
  2. Clean it carefully – If it’s dirty, give it a gentle rinse with milk or saline solution. Avoid scrubbing or using tap water, as this can damage the root cells.
  3. Try to reinsert it – If possible, place the tooth back into its socket and bite down gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
  4. Keep it moist – If reinserting isn’t an option, store the tooth in a container of milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation kit (if you have one). Avoid keeping it dry.
  5. Get to a dentist ASAP – Ideally, you need to see a dentist within an hour. The sooner, the better!

The Risk of Leaving a Missing Tooth Untreated

Ignoring a lost tooth might seem tempting, especially if you can still eat and talk just fine. But trust us, it’s not worth the risk. A missing tooth can lead to:

  • Shifting teeth – The surrounding teeth may start to move, leading to misalignment and bite issues.
  • Bone loss – The jawbone can start to deteriorate where the tooth once was, affecting facial structure.
  • Increased risk of further dental problems – Gaps can trap food and bacteria, increasing the likelihood of gum disease and decay.
  • Speech and chewing difficulties – Depending on the location of the missing tooth, you may struggle with certain words or foods.

Dental Implants as a Long-Term Solution

If your tooth can’t be saved, don’t panic – modern dentistry has some excellent solutions. Dental implants are widely considered the best option for replacing a missing tooth and are widely available in the UK from companies like https://www.evodental.com/

Here’s why they’re a solid option:

  • They look and feel natural – Unlike dentures, implants are permanently fixed in place and match your natural teeth.
  • They prevent bone loss – The implant fuses with your jawbone, maintaining its strength and structure.
  • They last a lifetime – With proper care, a dental implant can last decades.
  • They don’t impact surrounding teeth – Unlike bridges, implants don’t rely on neighbouring teeth for support.

How Long Before You Can Play Again?

This depends on how your injury is treated and whether you endured any other injuries at the same time. If your natural tooth is successfully reinserted, your dentist might recommend a few weeks of rest to ensure it heals properly before you go back to the game – particularly if you play a high contact game like rugby, for example.. If you need an implant, the process can take several months from start to finish, as the implant needs time to fuse with your jawbone before a permanent crown is fitted. That’s not to say you can’t play at all during the process. It will depend on the sport you play and on the advice of the professionals!

Regardless of the treatment, always follow your dentist’s advice and avoid contact sports until you’re fully healed.

How to Prevent or Minimise the Risk of Dental Injuries in Sport

While accidents happen, there are ways to reduce the risk of losing a tooth on the pitch:

  • Wear a mouthguard – Custom-fitted mouthguards offer the best protection and can be a game-changer in high-contact sports.
  • Be aware of your surroundings – Keeping an eye on flying elbows, balls, or even goalposts can help you avoid unnecessary collisions.
  • Practise good technique – Whether it’s heading a football properly or maintaining control in a rugby tackle, the right technique can prevent injuries.
  • Get regular dental check-ups – A dentist can spot early signs of weakness or decay, reducing the chance of a tooth being easily knocked out.

Final Thoughts

Losing a tooth playing sport is never ideal, but knowing what to do can make all the difference. Act fast, see a dentist, and consider a long-term solution like a dental implant if necessary. And if you’re still playing without a mouthguard – now’s the time to invest in one!

Stay safe, and keep those smiles intact!

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn
Read On

Recent Posts

From the Pitch to the Dentist’s Chair: What to Do If You Lose a Tooth Playing Sports

Dental injuries are more common than you might expect in sport. And while losing a tooth to a fast moving cricket ball, a rogue elbow or a fall might sound like the stuff of Sunday League horror, there are things you can do to reduce the risk. In this article, we’re looking at reducing the risk of dental injuries in sport and also what to do in the event you find yourself losing a tooth mid game.

portable power banks for charging while hiking

Best Portable Charging Banks for Hiking in 2025

Traditionalists may not like it! But personally, I don’t like to risk being stuck on a hill or mountain with a dead phone or head torch battery. So I like to carry a portable charging device (or 2, or 3) with me. Here are the best portable charging banks for hiking that I’ve used. (And I’ve used a lot, by the way).