What does dentistry have in common with sport?

Dental injuries are a common occurrence among those who play sport.  Injuries vary from cut lips, chipped teeth to teeth that have been completely knocked out (avulsed).

This 14 year old boy was elbowed while playing football. He will now need a denture until he is old enough (18 ) to have an implant.		X ray of the same patient. The tooth on the right has broken just below the gum line and will need to be extracted

What should I do if a tooth has been knocked out?

If the tooth has been knocked out whole and the root does not appear to be broken then the tooth should be immediately pushed back into the socket.  If the root has become covered in dirt then gently rinse this off with water or milk.  Do not scrub the tooth just rinse it, then put it back into the socket. Now make an appointment to see your dentist immediately.

What if I can't put the tooth back?

Then don't let the tooth become dry.  Place it in some milk, or ideally Hanks Balanced Saline Solution if available.  Now go and see your dentist immediately, remembering to take the tooth with you!

What can I do to reduce the risk of dental injuries?

Go and see your dentist who can make you a mouth guard or gum shield.  A mouth guard is a flexible silicone rubber appliance that is worn during sport and recreational activities to protect teeth from trauma.

Why should I wear a mouth guard?

To protect your mouth from injuries. The dental profession unanimously supports the use of mouth guards in a variety of sports activities. Thousands of injuries to the mouth and jaw occur each year, many resulting in broken teeth or teeth being knocked completely out.

What kinds of injuries can a mouth guard prevent?

Apart form the obvious protection to the teeth, a mouth guard can prevent serious injuries such as concussions, cerebral hemorrhages, jaw fracture and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets rammed into the upper jaw.  Wearing a mouth guard can reduce concussions by almost half.

Young children, in particular, often sustain damaged , displaced and avulsed teeth, jaw fractures and lacerated lips when participating in sports.

Mouth guards are effective in 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 mouth guard?

Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces, it is advisable to wear a mouth guard. People who participate in rugby, hockey, boxing,football, basketball, squash, karate, kick boxing, BMX or mountain biking, skateboarding etc.

Should children wear mouth guards?

Definitely. At a time when "Goofy" teeth have yet to be treated with braces they are especially vulnerable to being knocked out or broken.  Parents are often unaware about the level of contact and potential for serious dental injuries involved with sports in which their children participate.  Many schools insist that mouth guards are worn for contact sports such as hockey and rugby. Cost may be another consideration although mouth guards come in a variety of price ranges.  However compared to the costs to put broken teeth right it is a small price to pay for peace if mind.

What are the different types of mouth guards?

Stock mouth guard: 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 mouth guard requires that the jaw be closed to hold it in place.  A stock mouth guard is not considered acceptable as an facial protective device.

Custom-made mouth protectors: The best choice is a mouth guard 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 do I care for my mouth guard?

• Keep it in the special box when it is not being worn
• Before storing it, rinse it with cold water and if not being worn for some time then soak it in some dilute Milton's solution before rinsing with cold water
• Gum shields are damaged by heat, so don't leave them in your sports kit to get washed in the washing machine or leave then on top of radiators or in the window of cars on hot sunny days.
• Each gum shield is custom made to fit your mouth and your mouth only.  It will need to be replaced as your mouth and teeth grow.  This may be every 6 to 12 months for younger children.
• Don't bend or squash your gum shield when storing it.  Put it in its box.