Toggle navigation

(508) 798-0627

  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Request an Appointment

CareCredit

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Care Credit
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education

My Blog

Posts for tag: dental injuries

NHL Iron Man Keith Yandle Suffers Dental Trauma on Ice

By Worcester Dental Associates
July 07, 2020
Category: Oral Health
Tags: dental injuries   mouthguards   celebrity smiles  
NHLIronManKeithYandleSuffersDentalTraumaonIce

Professional Hockey player Keith Yandle is the current NHL “iron man”—that is, he has earned the distinction of playing in the most consecutive games. On November 23, Yandle was in the first period of his 820th consecutive game when a flying puck knocked out or broke nine of his front teeth. He returned third period to play the rest of the game, reinforcing hockey players’ reputation for toughness. Since talking was uncomfortable, he texted sportswriter George Richards the following day: “Skating around with exposed roots in your mouth is not the best.”

We agree with Yandle wholeheartedly. What we don’t agree with is waiting even one day to seek treatment after serious dental trauma. It was only on the following day that Yandle went to the dentist. And after not missing a game in over 10 years, Yandle wasn’t going to let a hiccup like losing, breaking or cracking nearly a third of his teeth interfere with his iron man streak. He was back on the ice later that day to play his 821st game.

As dentists, we don’t award points for toughing it out. If anything, we give points for saving teeth—and that means getting to the dentist as soon as possible after suffering dental trauma and following these tips:

  • If a tooth is knocked loose or pushed deeper into the socket, don’t force the tooth back into position.
  • If you crack a tooth, rinse your mouth but don’t wiggle the tooth or bite down on it.
  • If you chip or break a tooth, save the tooth fragment and store it in milk or saliva. You can keep it against the inside of your cheek (not recommend for small children who are at greater risk of swallowing the tooth).
  • If the entire tooth comes out, pick up the tooth without touching the root end. Gently rinse it off and store it in milk or saliva. You can try to push the tooth back into the socket yourself, but many people feel uneasy about doing this. The important thing is to not let the tooth dry out and to contact us immediately. Go to the hospital if you cannot get to the dental office.

Although keeping natural teeth for life is our goal, sometimes the unexpected happens. If a tooth cannot be saved after injury or if a damaged tooth must be extracted, there are excellent tooth replacement options available. With today’s advanced dental implant technology, it is possible to have replacement teeth that are indistinguishable from your natural teeth—in terms of both look and function.

And always wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports! A custom mouthguard absorbs some of the forces of impact to help protect you against severe dental injury.

If you would like more information about how to protect against or treat dental trauma or about replacing teeth with dental implants, please contact us or schedule a consultation. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Dental Implants: A Tooth-Replacement Method That Rarely Fails” and “The Field-Side Guide to Dental Injuries.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink

Jerry Rice's Advice on Protecting Your Children's Teeth

By Worcester Dental
May 12, 2015
Category: Oral Health
Tags: mouthguard   oral health   dental injuries  
JerryRicesAdviceonProtectingYourChildrensTeeth

According to NFL football legend Jerry Rice, “Football can be brutal—injuries, including those to the face and mouth, are a common risk for any player.” And if anyone should know, it would be Jerry.

During an interview with Dear Doctor magazine, the retired NFL pro discussed his good fortune to have had just a few minor dental injuries during his pro playing days. He credits this success to the trainers and protective equipment professional football teams have to keep the players off the injured list. However, this was not the case during his earlier years in football. “There wasn't a lot of focus on protecting your teeth in high school,” he said. “You had to buy your own mouthguard.” He continued, “Things changed, though, when I went to college.”

Unfortunately, not much has changed since Jerry's high school days for young athletes. This is why we feel it is so important that parents and caregivers understand the risks and take proactive steps towards protecting the teeth, gums, bone and soft tissues of their children with a mouthguard. This is especially true for anyone — adults included — participating in high-contact sports such as basketball, baseball, hockey (field and ice), football, soccer, wrestling, martial arts, boxing and activities such as skateboarding, in-line skating and skydiving.

But all mouthguards are not the same. The best mouthguard, based upon evidence-based research, is one that is custom-designed and made by a dental professional, with the athlete's individual needs taken into account.

We make our custom mouthguards from precise and exact molds of your teeth, and we use resilient and tear-resistant materials. Once completed, it should be comfortable yet fit snugly so that you are able to talk and breathe easily with it in place. It should also be odorless, tasteless, not bulky and have excellent retention, fit and sufficient thickness in critical areas.

And while mouthguards may seem indestructible, they do require proper care. You should clean it before and after each use with a toothbrush and toothpaste, transport and store the mouthguard in a sturdy container that has vents, make sure not to leave it in the sun or in hot water and rinse it with cold, soapy water or mouthwash after each use. And last but not least, you should periodically check it for wear and tear so that you will know when replacement is needed.

To learn more about mouthguards, continue reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Athletic Mouthguards.” Or you can contact us today to schedule an appointment so that we can conduct a thorough examination and make molds of your teeth for your custom mouthguard. And if you want to read the entire feature article on Jerry Rice continue reading “Jerry Rice — An Unbelievable Rise To NFL Stardom.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink


Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2021
      • January (2)
        • 3 Reasons For Preserving a Decayed Baby Tooth
        • Hockey Season Is Upon Us - Is Your Star Athlete Ready With Mouth Protection?
  • 2020
      • December (3)
        • Keep Your New Straightened Smile Straight With an Orthodontic Retainer
        • Kevin Bacon's Mango-Slicing Trick and Other Ways to Rid Food Between Your Teeth
        • Your Food's Micronutrients Make a Difference in Your Dental Health
      • November (3)
        • How to Care for Your Child's Valuable Primary Teeth
        • New Recommendations Make Water Fluoridation Safer Than Ever
        • Don't Eat 'Motorized' Corn on the Cob and Other Dental Safety Tips
      • October (4)
        • 4 Ways You Can Better Manage Dental Care for a Child with Down Syndrome
        • Covid 19 Protocols
        • Wisdom Teeth Bear Close Monitoring for Future Dental Health
        • How to Avoid This Painful Condition After Tooth Extraction
      • September (3)
        • Too Old to Straighten Your Smile? Not If You're Like These A-List Celebrities
        • 3 Ways to Protect Your Dental Work From an Early Demise
        • Get Your Teeth Examined if You Have Frequent Sinus Infections
      • August (3)
        • Your 'Toothache' Might Signal a Problem Other Than in Your Mouth
        • Hugh Jackman Is All Smiles for His New Broadway-Inspired Show
        • Studies Show Vaping May Not Be Safer for Oral Health Than Tobacco
      • July (3)
        • Implants Make Dentures More Secure, Comfortable and Bone-Friendly
        • We Need to Act Quickly to Save Your Loose Tooth
        • NHL Iron Man Keith Yandle Suffers Dental Trauma on Ice
      • June (3)
        • Follow These 4 Tips for More Comfortable Eating With Chronic Jaw Pain
        • Getting Implants Can Be a Long Process - But Worth it
        • Reducing Your Child's Dental Anxiety Now Could Benefit Them for a Lifetime
      • May (3)
        • Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
        • 3 Surprising Things You Should Be Doing to Improve Your Dental Health
        • 3 Things You Should Do to Protect Your Teeth Later in Life
      • April (3)
        • Too Much Sugar Can Wreck More Than Your Teeth
        • How Veneers Restored Howie Mandel's Winning Smile
        • Extracting a Tooth is a Routine Procedure
      • March (3)
        • Here's How to Avoid Dry Socket After Tooth Extraction Surgery
        • You may need a Periodontist to Fully Treat Your Gum Disease
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
      • February (3)
        • A Loose Tooth is a Sign of Deeper Dental Trouble
        • Why Gum Disease Could Affect More Than Your Oral Health
        • Wearing Dentures 24/7 May Not Be a Good Idea - Here's Why
      • January (4)
        • Worcester Dental Associates Pays Tribute to Its' Founder, Melvin Budish
        • Find Out How These Famous Celebrities Protect Their Smiles From Teeth Grinding
        • 4 Common Causes for Gum Recession
        • You May Need Orthodontics Before Replacing a Missing Tooth
  • 2019
      • December (3)
        • Here's How We Can Jazz up Your Holiday Smile This Season
        • The Real Truth Behind Ed Helms' Missing Tooth in "The Hangover"
        • Chronic Mouth Breathing Could Create Conditions for a Poor Bite
      • November (3)
        • Cleft Defects Can Be Overcome, Thanks to Advanced Surgical Procedures
        • Wearing a Retainer Will Protect Your New Smile After Braces
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
      • October (4)
        • Orthodontics: More Than Straightening a Crooked Smile
        • Don't Delay Seeing the Dentist If You Suspect Gum Recession
        • Make Your Baby as Comfortable as Possible During Teething
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
      • September (3)
        • Behavioral Therapy Could Reduce a Child's Dental Anxiety Without Drugs
        • Improving Hygiene Skills Maximizes Removal of Disease-Causing Plaque
        • Don't Let Gum Disease Cut Short Your Implant's Service Life
      • August (4)
        • WDA Founder Obtained Denture Teeth Patent on September 4, 1951
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
        • Don't Let Summer Heat Increase Your Risk of Dental Disease
        • Your Reoccurring Sinus Infections May Actually Be Caused by Tooth Decay
      • July (3)
        • Tooth Type and Condition can Affect Root Canal Therapy Effectiveness
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • This Rare Tongue Condition Often Looks Worse than it Actually is
      • June (3)
        • 3 Tips for Successful, Safe Home Teeth Whitening
        • Wisdom Teeth and What to Do About Them
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
      • May (3)
        • Your Teenager's Teeth May Not Be Mature Enough for Veneers
        • See Your Dentist ASAP to Save Your Loose Tooth
        • Consider an Effective and Affordable RPD for Teeth Replacement
      • April (3)
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
        • April Is National Facial Protection Month
        • Catch Root Resorption Early for Best Chances of Saving Your Tooth
      • March (3)
        • Composite Resin Could Amp up Your Teeth's Attractiveness in Just One Visit
        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
        • If a Root Canal Can't be Done, this Procedure Might Save Your Tooth
      • February (3)
        • Legal or Not, Marijuana Poses a Health Risk to Your Gums
        • Local Anesthesia Takes the Pain Out of Most Dental Work
        • Healthy Smiles for Alfonso Ribeiro and Family
      • January (3)
        • Less-Invasive Pulp Capping Could Save Your Tooth
        • 3 Situations for Seeing a Periodontist
        • Topical Fluoride is a Safe Way to Protect Your Child's Teeth from Decay
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
        • Wisdom Teeth Warrant Close Watch to Avoid Future Health Issues
        • Bitewing X-Rays Safely 'Reveal all' About Back Teeth to Prevent Tooth Decay
      • November (3)
        • Be Wary When Considering Botox Treatment for TMD
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
        • Moderate Your Child's Juice Drinking to Lower Tooth Decay Risk
      • October (3)
        • Early Orthodontic Treatment Could Lessen Severity of Certain Bite Problems
        • No Need to Fret Over Implant Surgery
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
      • September (3)
        • Lasers Could One Day be Commonplace for Treating Gum Disease
        • We can Build up Lost Bone Before Your Implant
        • What You Should Know About a Home Teeth Whitening Kit
      • August (3)
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • Veneers may Offer a Less Invasive Way to Transform Your Smile
        • A Bonded Retainer Might Work for You after Orthodontic Treatment
      • July (3)
        • Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Acquiring Dental Implants
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
        • Be on the Alert for Gum Disease While Wearing Braces
      • June (3)
        • People Born with Missing Teeth can Still Gain a Beautiful Smile
        • 3 Areas to Watch to Avoid Excessive Tooth Wear
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
      • May (3)
        • Managing Diabetes and Gum Disease Together will Lessen the Effect of Both
        • Simple Procedure Could Reduce Biting the Inside of Your Mouth
        • What You Should Know About Veneers for Teenagers
      • April (4)
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
        • Learn How To Protect Your Teeth During Stress Awareness Month
        • Why You Should Consider a Professional Procedure for Your Teeth Whitening
        • Instill Good Dental Habits in Your Child as Early as Possible
      • March (2)
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
        • Don't Ignore Tooth Pain - You May Need a Root Canal
      • February (1)
        • Could Your Metal Allergy Keep You From Obtaining Dental Implants?
      • January (3)
        • Avoid Bone Loss around Tooth Roots through Regular Dental Care
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • Seek Immediate Treatment for this Advanced Form of Gingivitis
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • A Long-Term Orthodontic Strategy Could Help Ensure an Attractive Smile Later in Life
        • Coaxing Impacted Teeth to the Right Position can Improve Your Smile
      • November (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
        • Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes and Oral Health
      • October (2)
        • FAQ: Dental Care During Pregnancy
        • The Timely Use of a Palatal Expander Could Help Correct a Cross-Bite
      • September (3)
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • Sedation Can Help Create a More Positive Dental Experience for a Child
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
      • August (2)
        • Think You're Too Old for Orthodontics? Read This
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
      • July (2)
        • Add a Healthy Diet to Your Oral Cancer Prevention Strategy
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
      • June (2)
        • Orthodontists can Use Other Tools with Braces for Complex Bite Problems
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
      • May (2)
        • Dental Care is Difficult but not Impossible for a Special Needs Child
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
      • April (2)
        • Instill in Your Child the Daily Habit of Brushing and Flossing
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
      • March (3)
        • The Top 3 Oral Problems in America - and What You Should Do About Them
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • Be Sure to have These 3 Essentials Covered Beforehand for Veneer Success
      • February (2)
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Sedation, Along with Understanding, can Relieve Your Dental Visit Fears
      • January (2)
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • Treating Teeth Grinding Now Could Help Prevent Excessive Tooth Wear Later
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • Research Confirms: Dental Sealants Really Work!
      • November (2)
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
        • 4 Reasons you may want Your Dentist to Whiten Your Teeth
      • October (2)
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
        • An Assortment of Orthodontic Tools helps us Solve Complex Bite Problems
      • September (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • Gum Recession Could Shorten the Life of Your Teeth
      • August (3)
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • Your Options for Restoring a Chipped Tooth
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
      • July (2)
        • We may Still be Able to Save Your Tooth with a Root Canal Alternative
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
      • June (2)
        • Keeping Gum Disease at Bay Could Help Your Overall Health
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
      • May (2)
        • Dental Porcelain is a Great Option for Creating a Natural Appearance
        • A Royal Fix
      • April (2)
        • Staining Within a Tooth Requires a Clinical Whitening Approach
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • March (3)
        • A Teen's Missing Tooth May Require a Temporary Replacement
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
        • Oral Sedation Helps Reduce Anxiety During Dental Treatment
      • February (2)
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
        • Although a Global Problem, Tooth Decay can be Prevented
      • January (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Changing Antibiotic Use Today will Help Ensure Their Effectiveness Tomorrow
  • 2015
      • December (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
        • Closing the Gap Between Front Teeth Can Create a More Attractive Smile
      • November (3)
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • With Proper Management, Dental Implants can be a Reality for Diabetics
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
      • October (2)
        • Is Laser Treatment a Good Option for Controlling Gum Disease?
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
      • September (2)
        • Palatal Expansion Could Head Off Future Orthodontic Treatment
        • A Toothless Tiger?
      • August (2)
        • The Perils of a Loose Permanent Tooth - and What to do About it
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
      • July (2)
        • A Healthy Diet Could Lower Your Risk of Oral Cancer
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
      • June (2)
        • Teeth Whitening: Know Your Options
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
      • May (3)
        • Orthodontic Headgear: What It Is and Why It May be Needed
        • Jerry Rice's Advice on Protecting Your Children's Teeth
        • Welcome to Our Blog

Tags

  • mouthguard (2)
  • oral health (16)
  • dental injuries (2)
  • orthodontics (6)
  • headgear (2)
  • oral hygiene (14)
  • teeth whitening (8)
  • dental implants (10)
  • nutrition (3)
  • oral cancer (2)
  • braces (8)
  • loose teeth (1)
  • crowns (3)
  • palatal expander (2)
  • laser dentistry (1)
  • gum disease (10)
  • cosmetic dentistry (6)
  • orthodontic treatment (14)
  • frenectomy (1)
  • antibiotics (1)
  • tooth decay (6)
  • abscessed tooth (1)
  • sedation dentistry (3)
  • oral sedation (1)
  • partial denture (1)
  • bridge (1)
  • athletic mouthguards (1)
  • bonding (1)
  • dental emergency (1)
  • dental injury (5)
  • root canal treatment (3)
  • apicoectomy (2)
  • wisdom teeth (6)
  • chipped tooth (4)
  • gum recession (3)
  • chipped teeth (1)
  • sealants (1)
  • pediatric dentistry (11)
  • teeth grinding (3)
  • tooth grinding (1)
  • veneers (3)
  • thumb sucking (1)
  • porcelain veneers (4)
  • mouthguards (5)
  • retainers (3)
  • pregnancy (1)
  • dental care (1)
  • diabetes (3)
  • periodontal disease (3)
  • teeth wear (1)
  • tooth pain (2)
  • bad breath (1)
  • oral heath (1)
  • bruxism (1)
  • night guard (1)
  • oral surgery (2)
  • tooth wear (1)
  • missing teeth (1)
  • retainer (2)
  • bone grafting (2)
  • tmj disorders (2)
  • tmd (1)
  • x-ray (1)
  • topical fluoride (1)
  • periodontist (1)
  • pulp capping (1)
  • local anesthesia (1)
  • marijuana (1)
  • oral-health (1)
  • composite resin (1)
  • root resorption (1)
  • removable partial denture (1)
  • loose tooth (3)
  • dentures (2)
  • celebrity smiles (13)
  • teething (1)
  • cleft lip (1)
  • cleft palate (1)
  • smile makeover (1)
  • dry socket (2)
  • tooth extractions (1)
  • sugar (1)
  • extraction (1)
  • dental implant (1)
  • jaw pain (1)
  • vaping (1)
  • toothache (1)
  • dental exam (1)
  • fluoride (1)

Categories:

  • None (1)
  • Oral Health (74)
  • Dental Procedures (98)

Our Location

88 Pleasant St
Worcester, MA 01609-3204
(508) 798-0627

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Website for Dentist Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map