Now that children are back to school, dental injuries are common in collision or contact sports and recreational activities. Numerous surveys of sports-related dental injuries have documented that participants of all ages, genders and skill levels are at risk of sustaining dental injuries in sporting activities, including organized and unorganized sports at both recreational and competitive levels. While collision and contact sports, such as boxing, have inherent injury risks, dental injuries are also prevalent in non-contact activities and exercises, such as gymnastics and skating.
The importance of safety in maintaining oral health and the use of a properly fitted mouth guard as the best available protective device for reducing the incidence and severity of sports-related dental injuries. We are committed to oral health promotion and injury prevention for sports participants.
Studies of mouth guard users and nonusers have consistently shown that mouth guards offer significant protection against sports-related injuries to the teeth and soft tissues. Mouth guards provide a resilient, protective surface to distribute and dissipate forces on impact, thereby minimizing the severity of traumatic injury to the hard or soft tissues.
According to a 2007 meta-analysis of studies evaluating the effectiveness of mouth guards in reducing injuries, the overall injury risk was found to be 1.6-1.9 times greater when a mouth guard was not worn, relative to when mouth guards were used during athletic activity. Another study of collegiate basketball teams found that athletes wearing custom-made mouth guards sustained significantly fewer dental injuries than those who did not.
For sporting activities that are inherently contact-oriented (e.g., football), protectors or faceguards are also appropriate for added safety and protection. The ADA has endorsed the preventive value of facial protectors, including helmets, faceguards and mouth protectors, for use by participants in sporting and recreational activities with some degree of injury risk and at all levels of competition.
The key educational message is that the best mouth guard is one that is utilized during sport activities. While custom mouth guards are considered by many to be the most protective option, other mouth guards can be effective if they fit well, are worn properly and stay in place.
If you have a child that is involved in sports, please call our office for a complimentary consultation to see if a custom mouthguard is appropriate for them.
For over 30 years, Dr. Lee Weisbard, D.D.S., and her team have provided Colorado and beyond with the highest quality dental experience available. And it all grew out of her compassion for others and a love for the dental arts.
She has the skills and committed excellence in cosmetic, general, and dental implant dentistry that brings you the best dental care in Greenwood Village, DTC, Englewood, Cherry Hills, Littleton, and the surrounding cities of Denver. She has received numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious 2018 Colorado Businesswoman of the Year award.