Treating and Preventing Sports Related Facial Injuries

As athletes and parents of athletes, we hate to see injuries occur; yet we all have had to deal in some way or another with a sports-related injury often involving the face, mouth or jaws. Irregardless of whether the unfortunate accident happens during a game or at home, your neighborhood maxillofacial surgeons are available to care for you and your family right here in the Memorial area. In the event a facial or mouth injury requires a trip to the emergency room, make sure to request a consultation from an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Oral surgeons are the specialists most qualified to deal with these types of injuries and in some cases, may even detect a "hidden" injury that could otherwise go unnoticed. The doctors at OMSH are on staff at Memorial City and Memorial Katy Hospitals and will gladly meet you at the E.R. should the need arise. Here are a few things to keep in mind immediately after the injury: - Never take any facial injury lightly. Even though they may not initially appear serious, unattended facial injuries can affect the airway and breathing. Less serious long term changes can include changes in facial appearance, the inability to move the jaw properly, and visual changes. - Prevention is always the best policy. Helmets with appropriate face guards and a well fitting mouth guard should be worn when appropriate. - If a tooth gets knocked out call us immediately. Most teeth can be reimplanted if cared for appropriately and treated within a few hours. Place the tooth in a glass of milk, salt water or even under the tongue so as to not allow the tooth to dry out and proceed immediately to our office for treatment. - Lacerations to the face and scalp produce considerable bleeding. Cover the injured area with a clean, moist cloth and apply pressure. Do not remove the cloth until in the surgeon's office. - If you suspect a fracture to the jaw, cheek, or eye area call us immediately. Apply ice to the injury and proceed to the office for evaluation. - If the person is unconscious or having trouble breathing call 911 immediately. Never try to move the injured person without professional assistance.-