Preventing Dental Injuries
Dr. Collins a neurologist at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit found
that of 393 college football players tested, one in three had suffered
a concussion. This group also scored lower when tester for the ability
to think, learn words, and handle complex tasks. One in five from Dr. Collin's test group had two or more concussions and were significantly
more likely to report continuing headaches, sleep, and concentration problems. Alarmingly, another study found that nearly 63,000 high school athletes
suffer mild concussions each year. In the Journal of the American Medical
Association (Sept '99), researchers reported that two or more blows to
the head, such as received while participating in sports, can harm teenagers'
ability to think for years and cause even worse long-term learning problems.
More Consequences
In many sports, the athlete is at obvious risk for contact with sticks,
pucks, balls and rackets, or the feet, heads, elbows and knees of other
athletes. As a result, the potential for injuries to the head, jaw, neck,
teeth, lips, gums or tongue is increased. While the deliberating effects
of concussions are well documented, it's important to point out that dental
trauma can be devastating as well. In fact, dental injuries sustained
while playing sports can require a lifetime of treatments and rehabilitation
costing several thousands of dollars per broken and/or missing tooth.
To the Rescue
Mouth protection, such as mouthguards, can help absorb the forces that
cause oral-facial injuries and concussions, minimizing the incidence and
severity of broken teeth and facial bones, trauma to the TMJ, or trauma
to the spine and brain. A properly fitted mouthguard is essential for
all athletes, but in the past, the importance of wearing mouthguards was
aimed mostly at male athletes playing contact sports. However, more than
ever, women are participating in competitive contact sports where the
level of strength and intensity among participants can result in serious
oral-facial injury.
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
The best mouthguards are those made from impressions of the mouth taken
by the dentist. These custom-fitted mouthguards are also more comfortable
than other types of mouthguards, so they are more likely to be worn when
needed. If you play sports, for your own sake, be sure to ask your dentist
about custom-fitted mouthguards.
Copyright© 2000 Glidewell Laboratories
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