The Right Bite Sleep and TMJ Pain Care
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Some sports aspirants take up professional sporting events and have a successful career but eventually drop off earlier than expected and retire early, the reason being, due to injuries. They are at high risk of facing consequences that prove dear to them through permanent disability or sometimes fatal, and among them is the orofacial trauma faced by these sportsmen. In India, people are less aware of the field of sports dentistry, exclusively set up to treat injuries related to all kinds of sports. In this blog, we try to bring you awareness of the role of dentistry in sports and how it helps the athletes through non-invasive procedures.
With most nations progressing economically in the fields of medicine, technology, education, artificial intelligence, defence etc., sporting events are also gaining immense popularity, the main profession. It is estimated that, by 2030, the Indian sports industry is set to grow to $130 billion at an annual rate of 14 per cent. With similar projections of different countries globally, this indicates, there has to be more awareness of how sports dentistry plays a role in making athletes lives better in terms of facial and surrounding parts’ health.
A sports mouthguard not only protects the facial structure from injury but also, if fabricated in the physiological jaw position, it also helps in avoiding postural injuries as well as improving performance. Everyone forgets the fact that the postural chain starts from the teeth in bite and the TMJ; and not from the neck. If there is any malocclusion in the jaw position, then the risk for injury increases.
As tempting as it may be for youngsters to follow their passion for sports and take it up as a profession, there is equally the risk of facing severe traumatic injuries as well. It is seen that sportspersons face a 10 percent higher chance of facial injuries than those who are not associated with contact sports. There is enough research stressing the presence of a dentist or a facial expert to be knowledgeable enough to diagnose and suggest further courses of treatment, right in the field where the mishap has occurred.
A sports dentist must be aware of hospital dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgeries, endodontics, non-invasive treatments and patient behaviour management to guide and suggest the further course of treatment for an injured sportsperson. If a player faces a concussion or severe injury to the dento-facial area, then his or her life takes a toll on the social and economic aspects related to restoring the original condition of the face or jaw structure.
Usually, during contact sports, or group sports, there is physical contact more often than other parts of the body. Injuries to the face like lacerations, abrasions, contusions or fractures on the facial skeleton like the brow, cheek and chinbones are quite common. If there is an injury to the mandibular structure, it in turn becomes a problem to the airway management and deformity in the face.
Another common injury faced while playing a sport is by having clashes between players, or a nearby material or with the prop used to play the sport. Here, sometimes, the player faces enamel scraping off, crown fracture, tooth falling off or root fractures. The trauma and accidents faced by players are examined by the sports dentists and either suggest mouthguards for sports in minor incidents or surgery in severe conditions.
Mouthguards in sports are usually worn over the teeth structure to protect them from severe blows to the head, face or neck region. This is where a sports dentist suggests this device to protect the above-mentioned parts and are also removable.
Some well-known sports where it can be used are skateboarding, hockey, baseball, basketball, football, skiing, mountain biking, wrestling and gymnastics. Upon consultation, your sports dentist will recommend you with well-fabricated and well-fit mouthguards for sports and reduce the chances of any incidence of injury to your facial structures.
Now that you know the importance of mouthguards for sports people, it is best to contact a nearby sports dentist to opt for the right type, by choosing the quality, material and size for safe playing.
Trauma and accidents during recreational and sports events are not uncommon, and this is where sports dentistry comes into importance. With the help of orthodontists following systematic procedures and protocols during an unforeseen situation during these events, we can avoid the accidents from getting worse.
With the increase in sporting events at schools, colleges, corporate offices and public domains, it is important for practicing dental experts to spread awareness on the use of mouthguards in sports. One such clinic is TMJ India, who set up campaign drives bringing in awareness of sports accidents and how to avoid them. Book an appointment for more information on sports dentistry and the use of mouthguards while you or your child is playing.
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