Teeth Lost By Some Hockey Players Crossword
When you think of hockey players, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the intense physicality of the sport. But did you know that one of the most common injuries hockey players experience is actually losing teeth? In fact, it's so common that there's even a crossword puzzle dedicated to the topic!
Why Do Hockey Players Lose Teeth?
Hockey is a high-contact sport, and players are often hit by pucks, sticks, and even other players. This can lead to a variety of injuries, including lost teeth. In fact, it's estimated that about 10% of all hockey injuries are dental injuries.
But it's not just being hit in the mouth that can cause a player to lose teeth. Hockey players often wear mouthguards to protect their teeth, but these can also lead to dental injuries. If a player is hit in the mouth while wearing a mouthguard, the force of the impact can actually push the mouthguard into the teeth, causing them to become dislodged.
Additionally, many hockey players are missing teeth because of previous injuries. Once a player loses a tooth, it's much more likely that they'll lose another one in the future. This is because a missing tooth can cause other teeth to shift out of place, making them more vulnerable to injury.
What Do Players Do When They Lose Teeth?
When a hockey player loses a tooth, they usually leave the ice immediately to seek medical attention. In some cases, a player may be able to have the tooth re-implanted, especially if it's a front tooth. However, in many cases the tooth is lost for good.
Once a player has lost a tooth, they may choose to have it replaced with a dental implant. This involves surgically implanting a metal post into the jawbone and attaching a replacement tooth or crown to the post. While this is a common procedure for many people who have lost teeth, some hockey players opt not to have the procedure done, as it can be expensive and time-consuming.
The Famous Teeth Lost By Hockey Players Crossword
In 2018, The New York Times published a crossword puzzle that was dedicated to famous hockey players who had lost teeth during their careers. Some of the clues included:
- "Hockey Hall of Famer who lost four upper teeth in Game 4 of the 1984 Stanley Cup finals"
- "Bruins center who lost a tooth in Game 1 of the 2013 Stanley Cup finals"
- "Defenseman known as 'The Hammer' who lost eight teeth during the 1972-73 NHL season"
The puzzle was a fun way to celebrate the sport of hockey and pay homage to the players who have sacrificed their teeth for the game.
Preventing Dental Injuries in Hockey
While losing teeth may be a common occurrence in hockey, there are steps that players can take to prevent dental injuries. Wearing a properly-fitting mouthguard is one of the most important things a player can do to protect their teeth. Mouthguards can cushion the impact of a blow to the face, reducing the risk of dental injuries.
Players should also make sure that their equipment is in good condition and fits properly. A well-fitting helmet can help prevent head injuries, while a properly-fitted face shield can protect a player's face from pucks and sticks.
Finally, players should be aware of the risks associated with missing teeth. If a player does lose a tooth, they should seek medical attention immediately. They should also consider having the tooth replaced to avoid other dental issues down the road.
Conclusion
Losing teeth may be a common occurrence for hockey players, but it's also a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on a player's dental health. By taking steps to prevent dental injuries and seeking medical attention when necessary, players can stay safe and avoid missing teeth in the future.