Don't Let a Dental Emergency Bench Your Summer: The $64 Athlete's Game Plan

July 21, 2026

Listen up, team. Summer is the season of the "Big Play." Whether it’s a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth, a vertical climb on a mountain bike trail, or a perfect cross into the soccer box, this is when we push our limits.

But as any good coach will tell you: The best offense is a great defense.

While you're focusing on the scoreboard, there’s a quiet opponent waiting to take you out of the game: dental trauma. Statistics show that nearly one-third of all dental injuries are sports-related. In fact, if you or your kids are playing without protection, you are 60 times more likely to suffer a dental emergency.

At The TeleDentists, we’ve seen it all: from chipped front teeth on the basketball court to knocked-out teeth on the skateboard ramp. You don’t have to let a dental mishap bench your summer. We’ve put together the ultimate "Athlete’s Game Plan" to keep your smile in the game for just $64.

The Scouting Report: Why Summer is High-Risk for Your Smile

Summer sports like baseball, basketball, and soccer are among the biggest culprits for dental injuries in athletes aged 7 to 17. Why? Because these high-speed environments involve flying balls, swinging bats, and accidental elbows to the face.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), sports mishaps account for up to 39% of all dental injuries in children. Most of these occur because a mouthguard wasn't part of the uniform.

The Most Common Summer Injuries:

• Chipped or Broken Teeth: Usually caused by a direct hit from a ball or a fall.
• Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Teeth: A critical emergency where time is your biggest enemy.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Deep cuts to the lips, tongue, or cheeks from contact with teeth or equipment.

The MVP of Prevention: Wear Your Mouthguard

If you’re a parent, this is the part of the halftime speech where I get loud: Mouthguards are not optional.

While many youth leagues don't strictly require them, the data is undeniable. The Academy of General Dentistry estimates that mouthguards prevent more than 200,000 injuries every single year.

What to look for in a "starting" mouthguard:

1. Fit: It should stay in place without you needing to bite down.
2. Comfort: If it’s too bulky, you won’t wear it.
3. Protection: It should cover the teeth and the gums.

For the best protection, consult a dentist online via The TeleDentists to discuss whether a custom-fitted mouthguard is right for your level of play. It’s a small investment that saves you thousands in restorative dental work later.

The 60-Minute Drill: What to Do if a Tooth Gets Knocked Out

If the worst happens and a permanent tooth is knocked out on the field, the clock starts ticking immediately. You have a 60-minute window to save that tooth. Here is your emergency protocol:

1. Find the Tooth: Pick it up by the crown (the white part). NEVER touch the root.
2. Rinse (Don't Scrub): If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline. Do not use soap, and do not scrub the tissue off the root: those are the cells that will help it reattach!
3. Replant or Store: If you can, gently push the tooth back into the socket and have the athlete bite on a clean cloth to hold it. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth moist in a glass of cold milk or a tooth preservation kit. Do NOT let it dry out.
4. Connect with an Online Dentist: This is where we come in.

The $64 Play: The TeleDentists vs. The ER

When an injury happens on a Saturday afternoon or a Tuesday night after the local clinic has closed, most people panic and head to the Emergency Room.

Here is the reality of the ER:

• Cost: Average dental-related ER visits can cost $500 to $1,500+.
• Wait Time: You could be sitting in a waiting room for hours.
• Care: Most ERs are not equipped with dentists. They will likely give you pain meds and tell you to "see a dentist on Monday."

The TeleDentists Game Plan:
For just $64, you can consult a dentist online and be face-to-face with a licensed professional in under 10 minutes.

Why we are the preferred choice for athletes:

• Speed: You can see an online dentist right from the sidelines or the dugout.
• Prescriptions: If there is an infection or severe pain, our dentists can call in prescriptions to your local pharmacy immediately.
• Expert Guidance: We will tell you exactly how to handle the injury to ensure the best long-term outcome.
• Local Referrals: If you need hands-on work (like a permanent replant or stitches), we provide a direct referral to a local dentist who can see you for follow-up care.

Cheap Online Dentist Access: No Insurance? No Problem.

We believe that every athlete deserves "Pro" level care. Whether you have dental insurance or not, our flat fee of $64 makes us the most affordable online dental care solution for families.

We partner with major carriers like Anthem and Aetna, but even if you're paying out of pocket, our service is designed to be the "cheap online dentist" option that doesn't compromise on quality.

Final Coaching Tip: Be Prepared

You wouldn't send your kid onto the field without a helmet or cleats. Don't let them play without a plan for their teeth. Bookmark our site on your phone today, so when the "Big Play" turns into a "Big Ouch," you aren't scrambling.

Stay safe, stay active, and keep that smile in the game!

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