Enthusiastic participation
by the younger generation in sports exposes them to a high risk of
injuries. The International Academy for Sports Dentistry
gives the definition that "Sports Dentistry" involves the
prevention and treatment of orofacial athletic injuries and related
oral diseases, as well as the collection and dissemination of information
on dental athletic injuries and the encouragement of research in the
prevention of such injuries. It may also be visited for accessing
information concerning dental / facial trauma prevention and treatment,
what to do when a tooth is knocked out, athletic mouth guard types
and designs.
Since everyone does not have the same dentition or sex, the stock
and boil and bite mouthguards bought at sporting good stores do not
provide the optimum treatment expected by athletes/sportspersons.
Ill-fitting mouthguards cannot deal with the individual characteristics
athletes and children have. They do not play the same sport under
the same circumstances and experience, nor do they play at the same
position.
Often times the people indulging in sporting activities are not necessarily
participating in some competition. They may be doing it as a leisure
activity. Sports participation may be by people of differing age,
sex, height, built, and mouth size. Similarly they may not have the
same number and shape of teeth. It is here that the question is raised
as to how can a one-size-fits-all mouthguards be properly fitted.
This is why the mouthguards bought at sporting goods stores, without
the recommendation of a qualified dentist, should not be worn. At
the same time there is no denying that it may though temporarily solve
the purpose of having some protection, instead of none at all.
In the early advent only four types of mouthguards were available:
Stock, Boil and Bite, Vacuum Custom made, and Pressure Laminated Custom
made. More recently mouthguards are discussed as: Stock, Mouth-formed
which includes Boil and Bite, Vacuum Custom made, Combination vacuum
and pressure custom made, Pressure Laminated Custom made and Flasked
Custom made.
Evolution is a continuous process. The practice of dentistry is changing
daily. Dentists must prepare and update their approach. Fluoridation,
occlusal sealants and now occlusal guards are important contributions
to sports medicine. Dentists understand the magnitude of the problems
of jaw fractures and their potential progression. An incomplete tooth
fracture is a frequently encountered problem that dentists need to
assess carefully to arrive at the correct treatment decision as also
the medicine. The increase in competitive sports has necessitated
to make in-depth study and apply occlusal anatomy, clenching teeth
allows an individual and especially an athlete to brace and experience
a rise or burst in muscle power. The prevention and reduction of sports
injuries should be the goal of every dentist.
It is always recommend that your mouth guard be made before embarking
on any physical sport or pastime such as Rugby, Football, Hockey,
Skateboarding/Rollerblading, Martial Arts/Self Defence, Gymnastics,
Skiing, Lacrosse, Squash, etc. A mouth guard (gum shield)
is like a crash helmet for teeth, protecting them from damage in physical
sports. A mouth guard made by your dentist is made specially
to fit your mouth. This is more protective than an over-the-counter
model as available in most sporting stores. An incorrectly fitting
mouth guard is inefficient, hard to hold in place, and interferes
with proper breathing and speech.
Mouthguards What is a mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a flexible appliance made out of plastic that is worn
in athletic and recreational activities to protect teeth from trauma.
Why should I wear a mouthguard?
Mouthguards protect you from injuries. The dental profession unanimously
supports the use of mouthguards in a variety of sports activities.
More than 200,000 injuries to the mouth and jaw occur each year.
What kinds of injuries can a mouthguard prevent?
A mouthguard can prevent serious injuries such as concussions, cerebral
hemorrhages, incidents of unconsciousness, jaw fractures and neck
injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed
into the upper jaw. Wearing a mouthguard can reduce concussions by
almost half. Young children, in particular, often sustain damaged
or dislodged teeth, fractured jaws and lacerated lips when participating
in sports. Mouthguards are effective in moving soft issue in the oral
cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of
the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances.
In what types of sports should I wear a mouthguard?
Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other participants
or hard surfaces, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard. Players who
participate in basketball, softball, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse,
rugby, in-line skating, and martial arts as, well as recreational
sports such as skateboarding and bicycling should wear mouthguards
while competing. Currently, five sports at the amateur level require
mouthguards during practice and competition: boxing, football, ice
hockey, men's lacrosse and women's field hockey.
Aren't mouthguards only for football and hockey players?
Recent findings show that soccer players are more likely than football
players to sustain an orofacial injury, and a basketball player's
risk is twice that of a football player. More people currently participate
in organized soccer than in competitive football, where mouthguards
and facemasks are mandatory.
Why don't kids wear mouthguards?
Parents are sometimes uninformed about the level of contact and potential
for serious dental injuries involved with sports in which the child
participates. Some, though not all schools, reinforce the health advantage
of mouthguards for their contact sports. Cost may be another consideration
although mouthguards come in a variety of price ranges.
What are the different types of mouthguards? Stock mouthguard: The lowest cost option is a stock item, which
offers the least protection because the fit adjustment is limited.
It may interfere with speech and breathing because this mouthguard
requires that the jaw be closed to hold it in place. A stock mouthguard
is not considered acceptable as an facial protective device.
Mouth-formed protectors: These mouthguards come as a shell-liner
and "boil-and-bite" product. The shell is lined with acrylic
or rubber. When placed in an athlete's mouth, the protector's lining
material molds to the teeth and is allowed to set. The lining of the
"boil-and-bite" mouthguard is immersed in boiling water
for 10-45 seconds, transferred to cold water and then adapted to the
teeth. The "boil-and-bite" mouthguard is used by more than
90 percent of athletes who use mouthguards. While they are less expensive
than custom-made guards, the fit is not as good and they do not last
as long.
Custom-made mouth protectors: The best choice is a mouthguard
custom-made by your dentist. It offers the best protection; fit and
comfort level because it is made from a cast to fit your teeth.
How should I care for a mouthguard?
Clean your mouthguard by washing it with soap and warm (not hot) water.
Before storing, soak your mouthguard in disinfecting mouthwash. Keep
your mouthguard in a well-ventilated plastic storage box when not
in use. Make sure the box has several holes so the mouthguard will
dry. A mouthguard kept in a moist setting will serve as a safe harbor
for harmful bacteria. Heat is bad for mouthguards; so don't leave
it in direct sunlight or in a closed automobile. Don't bend your mouthguard
when storing. Don't handle or wear someone else's mouthguard. Call
your dentist who made the mouthguard if there are any problems.
How often should I replace my child's mouthguard?
Depending on the child's growth, mouthguards may need to be replaced
once a year.
Sources:
"Mouthguards Fight Weekend Warrior Injuries", Dental News,
July 1997; David Kumamoto, DDS, Fellow of the Academy and team dentist
for the University of Illinois-Chicago Athletic Department;
"Mouthguards Can Save Your Teeth From Serious Injury", Pennsylvania
Dental Association, Academy for Sports Dentistry, March 1998; Adaptation
from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Dental School Department of Prosthodontics, Graduate Division; H.
Douglas Mougey, DDS, FAGD;
"Mouthguards aren't guarding enough young adults", Dental
Notes, September 1996; American Society for Testing and Materials;
Academy for Sports Dentistry;
"Mouthguard Survey", Pediatric Dentistry, November/December
1997. November/December 1997. Concise Illustrated Dental Dictionary,
IOP Publishing Limited, 1987.
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Statutory Warning: The information is intended
to help you better understand dental conditions and procedures and should
not be construed as specific medical advice or recommendation. The general
information provided here is not a substitute for a consultation with the
dentists. Only personal discussion of your individual needs with a professionally
qualified doctor / dentist will determine the best method of treatment suitable
for you.
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