Playing a sport allows your child to stay in physical shape and develop cooperative and leadership skills. However, without the proper precautions, your child is at risk of getting hit in the face with a ball, bat, or other equipment, which can lead to severe facial trauma that may require oral surgery. To keep your child safe, learn more about the common types of sports-related facial trauma and how to prevent them.

What Are the Most Common Facial Traumas?

Hard Tissue Injuries

Getting hit in the lower face or jaw while playing sports can damage your child’s jaw structure and teeth alignment. In serious cases, an oral surgeon can insert plates and screws in their jaw to heal the injury and make their face look and function like normal.

Knocked-out Teeth

If your child is struck in the face, they might lose one or more teeth. An oral surgeon may treat the injury with splinting, which involves wiring or bonding the teeth together. If the tooth can’t be saved, a dental implant can take its place.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Playing contact sports can also increase your child’s risk for soft tissue injuries like tongue and gum lacerations. If the injuries are minor, they can typically be treated at home. However, if the injuries are more serious, oral surgery may be needed to stop the bleeding and facilitate healing.

How Do You Prevent These Injuries?

Ensure your child wears a mouthguard while playing sports to protect their jaw, mouth, and teeth from injury. Customized versions obtained from a dental office are the most reliable. Chin guards, helmets, and masks will also protect your child from facial trauma, especially if they’re playing rough contact sports like football or rugby.

If your child has sustained a facial injury, turn to the professionals at Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska in Anchorage for restorative work. The surgeons are board-certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery and have received extensive hospital-based training in anesthesia. They offer many types of oral surgery, including wisdom teeth removal and dental implants. For more information about their services, visit their website. Call (907) 561-1430 to make an appointment.