Bodysurfing Tooth Injury in South OC: What to Do Now (Same-Day Dental Repair)

San Juan Capistrano, CA

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A day of bodysurfing at Doheny, T Street, or Salt Creek Beach can turn painful fast if a wave, elbow, or board hits your mouth just right. A chipped, cracked, or knocked-out tooth in the ocean is more common than you might think — but acting quickly can make the difference between saving and losing your tooth.

At Kaban Dental Group in San Juan Capistrano, we provide same-day emergency dentistry for patients injured while surfing, skimboarding, or bodysurfing across Dana Point, San Clemente, and Aliso Viejo. Here’s what to do immediately after a bodysurfing dental injury — and how we can help you repair it the same day.

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Step 1 — Get Out of the Water and Stop the Bleeding

If you get hit in the face by a wave, your board, or another person:

• Leave the water to avoid swallowing sand or bacteria.

• Rinse gently with bottled or fresh water (not ocean water).

• If bleeding, apply light pressure with a clean towel or gauze.

• Avoid touching or moving the injured tooth.

Even if it seems minor, saltwater and sand can make oral injuries worse. Learn more about Dr. Kaban, our Emergency Dentist in San Juan Capistrano.

Step 2 — Save Any Broken or Lost Tooth Pieces

If your tooth chipped or came out completely:

1. Retrieve any broken pieces you can find.

2. Rinse gently in water to remove sand and debris.

3. Store the piece in milk or saliva (never saltwater).

4. Get to your dentist within 30–60 minutes if a tooth was knocked out.

At Kaban Dental Group, we often help South OC patients save their natural teeth if they act fast.

Step 3 — Manage Pain, Swelling, and Infection Risk

• Apply a cold compress on the cheek near the injury.

• Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen (avoid aspirin).

• Keep your head elevated.

• Do not rinse with ocean or tap water — it can increase infection risk.

If swelling worsens or your gums turn red and tender, call your dentist immediately.

Step 4 — Treatment Options for Bodysurfing Tooth Injuries

Injury Type

Common Repair

Same-Day Option

Chipped Tooth

Common Repair

Composite bonding or white filling

Same-Day Option

✅ Yes

Cracked Tooth

Common Repair

Dental crown or porcelain veneer

Same-Day Option

✅ Often temporary same-day

Knocked-Out Tooth

Common Repair

Reimplantation or dental implant

Same-Day Option

⚠️ Time-sensitive (within 1 hour)

Fractured Root

Common Repair

Extraction + implant or bridge

Same-Day Option

❌ Requires full evaluation

Step 5 — Protect Your Teeth for Future Bodysurfing Sessions

Water sports are high-impact — protect your teeth before you hit the waves:

• Wear a custom sports mouthguard (it fits comfortably even with a snorkel).

• Avoid bodysurfing in shallow or rocky breaks.

• Get regular dental checkups to spot weak enamel early.

If you’re a parent, learn more about Kids Sports Mouthguards in San Juan Capistrano.

Same-Day Emergency Dental Care Near the Beach

At Kaban Dental Group, we know how important your smile — and your lifestyle — are. If you hurt your tooth while bodysurfing in South Orange County, our same-day emergency dentist can get you back in the water safely.

📞 Call (949) 496-5585 or schedule a same-day appointment online.
Serving patients from San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, and San Clemente.