The majority of tooth damage is irreversible. We must always practice good oral hygiene. This is especially true in athletic endeavors. Teeth and physical activity are essential for growing children. However, sports can cause oral damage.
Some believe that sports and injuries are inextricably linked. It’s a common occurrence in the game. The search for an activity environment that is not harmful to teeth continues. Sports dentistry was created to prevent and treat dental injuries that occur as a result of athletic participation.
Common Sports-Related Dental Injuries
Dental and oral injuries are common in contact sports. Today, it is widely known that there are high percentages of dental injuries in professional sports such as basketball, Swiss rugby, hockey, baseball, and football.
Although this is common for professional athletes, there is also evidence that a significant number of children suffer oral injuries as a result of sports. Researchers discovered that up to 39% of the 30 million children in the United States who engage in organized sports suffered tooth damage.
Dental injuries not only cause tooth damage. Contact sports and dental injuries also involve orofacial injuries such as:
- Soft-tissue injury
- Facial bone fracture
- Temporomandibular joint injury (jaw joint injury from impact)
- Tooth intrusion
- Tooth fracture
- Tooth avulsion
- Orofacial trauma (jaw injury from impact)
Dental Protection: The 7 Types of Mouthguards for Sports
Learning how to safeguard your teeth adequately is important. The usage of helmets, facemasks, and mouthguards in sports can help to prevent orofacial injuries. Mouthguards are ideal.
Mouthguards save 200,000 dental injuries per year, according to the American Dental Association. The many types of mouthguards are as follows:
1. The Stock Mouthguard
This mouthguard comes in conventional sizes. However, incorrect sizing can cause pain and irritation.
2. The Shell Liner Mouth-formed Protectors
Depending on the shape of the player’s mouth, this mouthguard is lined with plastic acrylic or silicone rubber.
3. The Thermoplastic Mouth-formed Protectors
This type of mouthguard is custom-fit to the athlete or player.
4. The Custom Vacuum-formed Mouthguard
This type of mouthguard can be provided by a dentist. It offers adequate athletic protection while also being comfortable to speak and breathe in. Deformities may occur after a sudden stop of usage.
5. The Custom Pressure-laminated Mouthguard
This is the ideal mouthguard. It offers all of the benefits of a vacuum-formed mouthguard while causing minimal distortion when worn.
6. The Pure Power Mouthguard
This novel technique considers the TMJ (temporomandibular joint), masticatory muscles, bones, teeth, and nerves.
7. The Bimaxillary Mouthguard
This is best for avoiding jaw fractures and is most recommended for extreme contact sports
First-Aid for Sports Dental Injuries
If a dental accident is unavoidable, contact a dentist immediately if the damage is severe. These are some common injuries and first-aid treatments:
- First-Aid for Soreness
Immediately disinfect the wound. Apply a clean washcloth to a bleeding cut. If the bleeding continues for more than thirty minutes, contact your dentist.
- First-Aid for Fracture
See a dentist right away. Water should be applied to the wound. Apply a clean washcloth to a bleeding cut.
- First-Aid for Avulsion
Contact your dentist. Cleanse the affected area. Allow the bleeding person to bite a clean washcloth. Give your dentist the extracted tooth. Do not reinstall it by hand.
- First-Aid for Facial Trauma
Call for 911 emergency services.
Conclusion
Indeed, the public must be made aware of the importance of dental health in order to use these gears. Although there appears to be an increase in oral health awareness, the link between dental health and sports is sometimes overlooked. As such, this is critical information for parents of athletic children, coaches, and players themselves.
Are you in need of a nearby dentist? Comfort Dental Of Framingham is your new trusted clinic for all your dental needs. Give us a call today to schedule your first appointment!
