According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, sports accidents reportedly account for 10 to 39 percent of all dental injuries in children and young adults. Serious injuries can be prevented with proper equipment, including a mouth guard.
While there are many mouth guard options available, there is value to a custom-made mouth guard created by your dental care provider. Between the perfect fit and comfort, it’s likely to get more use since it was custom made.
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POSITION STATEMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
MOUTHGUARD USE IN SPORTS
National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC)
The NFHS mandates the use of mouthguards in football, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse and wrestling (for wrestlers wearing braces). Multiple studies by the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Academy for Sports Dentistry have shown a significant reduction of orofacial injuries with the use of a properly fitted mouthguard.
Dental Problems in Athletes
Orofacial injuries and diseases occur in athletes, and they may not always have access to dentists. Therefore team physicians should be aware of the common injuries and initial management. Treatment of dental injuries will depend on whether the teeth are primary or permanent. The most common type of fracture is crown fracture, but there are other dental injuries that can lead to future complications if not treated promptly and monitored closely. Tooth avulsions need to be handled properly, and athletes should see a dentist as soon as possible. Despite the urgency of some injuries, other orofacial injuries or diseases, such as lacerations and caries, should not be overlooked. Proper education and use of mouth guards can assist athletes in reducing their risk of orofacial injuries.
Common Dental Injury Management
in Athletes
Orofacial and dental trauma continues to be a commonly encountered issue for the sports medicine team. All sports have some risk for dental injury, but “contact sports” presumably incur more risk. Immediate evaluation and proper
management of the most common injuries to dentition can result in saving or restoration of tooth structure. Despite the growing body of evidence, mouth guard use and dental protection have not paralleled the increase in sports participation