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The Role of Sports Dentistry in Protecting Athletes with Mouthguards

Published on

JAN 02
2025

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. his 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.

What is Sports Dentistry?

Sports dentistry is a branch of medicine to treat oral diseases associated while playing a sport or while exercising. A sports dental expert is someone who is equipped with theoretical and practical knowledge and certified to diagnose, conduct and treat sportspersons. The expert provides comprehensive care to treat orofacial trauma or injuries to the facial, head and neck region.

While playing a sport, players usually face traumatic injuries to their dental area such as intrusion, luxation, avulsion, extrusion of teeth, fracturing facial and temporomandibular joints or experiencing concussion.

How are Dentistry and Sports-Related Injuries Connected?

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.

mouthguards for sports

What Facial Bones are Involved in Sports Dentistry?

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

Role of Mouthguards in Sports

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.

Functions of Mouthguards for Sports to Safeguard Players

  • It acts as cushioning for your jaw and teeth structure and avoids any direct blows from playing contact sports.
  • It prevents any kind of fracture or sudden damage in an unsupported angle of your temporomandibular joints.
  • It provides a strong reinforcement structure that in turn supports the neck region while playing.
  • It also acts as shock absorbers in between your jaws and prevents any trauma or injuries from affecting your neurological system and brain connections.
  • It helps you to avoid any sudden bites to the tongue, limiting the risk of tongue injury or biting on it.
  • It helps fill up empty spaces caused due to misalignment of jaw or if there is an uneven growth of your teeth, to provide solid support while playing.

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.

Role of Orthodontists in Sports Related Injuries

The first and crucial step of orthodontists in sports dentistry is, they bring awareness amongst the large population of people aspiring to take up sports as a passion or profession. They also provide information on the benefits of using mouthguards in sports and their events. By adorning these guards, the players can avoid any mishaps that may lead to complex dental procedures in future. As a mandatory precaution, dentists must be present during sporting events with a first aid kit in case of emergencies. One such dental clinic is TMJ India who provide first-hand oral healthcare for sports people with the risk of facing Oro-facial trauma during matches.

Conclusion

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.

To treat the most complex of TMJ problems, contact us at TMJ India and get your appointment with our TMJ experts today! 

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