title: Dental problems in athletes.
abstract: Orofacial injuries and diseases occur in athletes, and they may not always have access to dentists. Therefore team physicians should be aware of the common injuries and initial management. Treatment of dental injuries will depend on whether the teeth are primary or permanent. The most common type of fracture is crown fracture, but there are other dental injuries that can lead to future complications if not treated promptly and monitored closely. Tooth avulsions need to be handled properly, and athletes should see a dentist as soon as possible. Despite the urgency of some injuries, other orofacial injuries or diseases, such as lacerations and caries, should not be overlooked. Proper education and use of mouth guards can assist athletes in reducing their risk of orofacial injuries.
authors.affiliation: University of New Mexico Primary Care Sports Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM.
authors.forename: Jill
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Inouye
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McGrew
mesh_terms: D056352:Athletes; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D009064:Mouth Protectors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014084:Tooth Avulsion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D018677:Tooth Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*