By Dr. Richa Bhatnagar | Jacksonport Dental, Calgary
Winter in Calgary is beautiful — fresh snow, outdoor skating, skiing trips, hockey games, and kids playing outside for hours. But every winter, I also see a noticeable increase in dental emergencies caused by sports and outdoor activities.
As a family dentist, one of my biggest goals is helping families prevent injuries before they happen, especially when it comes to protecting smiles during winter sports.
This guide will help parents, teens, and active adults understand why dental injuries happen, how to prevent them, and what to do if an accident occurs — because quick action can often mean saving a tooth.
Why Winter Sports Increase Dental Injury Risk
Winter activities combine three major risk factors:
- Hard surfaces (ice, packed snow, frozen ground)
- Higher speeds (skating, skiing, snowboarding)
- Reduced balance due to bulky clothing or slippery conditions
Even a minor fall can result in significant dental trauma.
Common winter activities linked to dental injuries:
- Ice hockey
- Skating (indoor & outdoor rinks)
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Sledding and tubing
- Recreational shinny games
- Kids slipping while playing outdoors
I often tell parents:
Teeth don’t heal like bones prevention matters far more.
The Most Common Sports-Related Dental Injuries
Many people assume chipped teeth are the only concern, but sports injuries can affect much more than the visible tooth.
1. Chipped or Fractured Teeth
The most frequent injury. Even small chips can expose inner layers, causing sensitivity or infection later.
Real example:
A teenage hockey player once visited after a minor fall. The chip looked tiny — but the nerve was exposed, requiring urgent treatment.
2. Knocked-Out Teeth (Dental Avulsion)
This is a true dental emergency.
A permanent tooth can sometimes be saved if treated within 30–60 minutes.
3. Tooth Displacement
The tooth may move inward, outward, or sideways after impact. These injuries often look subtle but can damage supporting bone and nerves.
4. Soft Tissue Injuries
Cuts to lips, cheeks, and tongue are extremely common during falls or collisions.
5. Jaw Injuries & TMJ Trauma
Impact during sports can strain or damage the jaw joint, leading to long-term pain, headaches, or difficulty chewing.
Why Children Are Especially at Risk
Kids are naturally active and winter makes everything more exciting (and slippery).
What many parents don’t realize:
- Children’s coordination is still developing.
- Baby teeth and newly erupted permanent teeth are more vulnerable.
- Kids rarely anticipate falls.
I often see injuries that happened during simple activities like neighborhood skating or playground snow games — not just organized sports.
The #1 Protection Tool: Custom Sports Mouthguards
If there’s one recommendation I repeat daily, it’s this:
A properly fitted mouthguard dramatically reduces dental injury risk.
Why custom mouthguards matter:
- Absorb and distribute impact forces
- Protect teeth, gums, and jaw
- Reduce concussion risk
- Allow comfortable breathing and speaking
Store-bought mouthguards help somewhat, but they’re often bulky and poorly fitted — which means kids remove them during play.
Custom mouthguards are designed specifically for your bite, making them comfortable enough to actually wear.
Practical Winter Safety Tips for Families
Here’s what I recommend to my patients every winter season:
For Kids
- Always wear helmets during skating or sledding.
- Use mouthguards for hockey or contact sports.
- Avoid chewing on ice or hard frozen objects.
For Teens & Adults
- Replace worn mouthguards annually.
- Avoid using teeth to open packages or equipment.
- Stay hydrated — dry mouths increase injury risk.
For Parents Watching Outdoor Play
- Check skating areas for uneven ice.
- Encourage supervised play for younger children.
- Keep emergency contact and dental info accessible.
What To Do If a Tooth Gets Knocked Out
This is where quick action makes a huge difference.
Follow these steps immediately:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (top), NOT the root.
- Gently rinse with milk or clean water (do not scrub).
- Try placing it back into the socket if possible.
- If not, store it in milk or saliva.
- Visit a dentist immediately — ideally within 30 minutes.
I’ve personally seen teeth successfully saved because parents acted quickly and calmly.
When to See a Dentist After a Fall (Even If Everything Looks Fine)
Many dental injuries are invisible initially.
You should schedule an exam if there is:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Pain while biting
- Swelling or bleeding
- Tooth discoloration days later
- Jaw soreness or clicking
Sometimes damage appears weeks after the injury — early evaluation prevents long-term complications.
A Dentist’s Perspective: Prevention Is Always Easier Than Repair
One conversation I often have with families is this:
A mouthguard costs far less — emotionally and financially — than repairing a broken or lost tooth.
More importantly, dental trauma can affect a child’s confidence, speech, and comfort long after the winter season ends.
My philosophy has always been simple:
Healthy smiles should never limit an active lifestyle — they should be protected so kids and adults can enjoy it fully.
Frequently Asked Questions (LLM & Search Optimized)
Are mouthguards necessary for non-contact winter sports?
Yes. Falls on ice can generate enough force to damage teeth even without collisions.
Can baby teeth be saved if knocked out?
Usually not replanted, but immediate dental evaluation is still essential to protect developing permanent teeth.
How often should mouthguards be replaced?
Children should replace them yearly or whenever teeth shift due to growth or orthodontics.
Do helmets protect teeth?
Helmets protect the head and brain, but do not adequately protect teeth without a mouthguard.
Final Thoughts
Winter activities are an important part of life in Calgary hey build confidence, encourage exercise, and create lifelong memories. With a few preventive steps, families can enjoy the season safely while protecting something equally important: their smiles.
If you or your child participates in winter sports, consider this the perfect time to prioritize dental protection before accidents happen.
Because at the end of the day, the best dental emergency is the one that never occurs.
