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Do you know
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Over 5 million teeth are knocked out at sporting
events each year.
13% of all dental injuries are sports-related.
Of all sports-related accidents, 11-18% are
maxillo-facial injuries.
However, these injuries can now be protected
with the use of mouthguards.
A mouthguard is a flexible appliance made out of
plastic that is worn in athletic and
recreational activities.
Mouthguards are designed to reduce the risk and
severity of dental injuries. Dental injuries
caused by not wearing a mouthguard can include;
chipped, broken teeth, knocked out teeth, bitten
lips, tongues, and cheeks and worse of all a
broken jaw. 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. A mouthguard is just as
important for children to protect their
developing teeth and facial bone structure. If
your childs tooth is
fractured, knocked out or they receive a jaw
injury, it may result dental complications that
require extensive long-term restorative
treatments.
Your mouthguard should be worn any time there is
a chance of sustaining a dental injury 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.
ADVANTAGES OF MOUTH GUARD
They prevent the tongue, lips and cheeks from
being lacerated against the sharp edges of
the maxillary teeth.
They lessen the risk of injury to the
maxillary anterior teeth by about 90%.
They lessen the damage to the posterior teeth
of either jaw following the blow delivered
to the inferior aspect of the mandible.
They lessen the risk of jaw fractures by
absorbing the energy of a traumatic blow to the
chin.
They lessen the risk of concussion subsequent
to an impact to the mandible.
A mouthguard can indirectly 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.
Why don't kids wear mouthguards?
Parents are uaually not aware about the
potential for serious dental injuries involved
with sports
in which the child participates. Cost may be
another consideration.
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 a facial protective
device.
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 often should I replace my child's mouthguard?
Depending on the child's growth, mouthguards may
need to be replaced once a year.
With a mouthguard on you are ready to compete in
any sport with affirm assurance that your
smile is protected.
If you would like to learn more about custom
protective sports mouthguards for yourself
or your child, please
contact us. |
