USA Hockey’s Golden Grin: What Happens When Hockey Players Lose Teeth

Forbes Business

by Richard Menger MD MPA, Contributor

February 24, 2026

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Jack Hughes’ journey to victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics highlighted a unique challenge faced by many hockey players: dental injuries. Despite losing teeth during the game, Hughes led USA Hockey to an historic gold medal win against Canada. This incident underscores the high stakes of professional hockey and the potential consequences of such injuries. Dental injuries are alarmingly common in hockey, with statistics showing that over 30% of all injuries involve the mouth or jaw area. These injuries often result from high-speed collisions, puck impacts, or accidental contact during intense gameplay. Players like Hughes face not only physical discomfort but also significant financial and career implications. The cost of restoring lost teeth can range from $10,000 to $20,000 per tooth, depending on the treatment needed—ranging from crow

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/24/2026