In sports, the thrill of the game often overshadows the lurking risks of dental accidents. Yet studies show that up to 40 percent of sports injuries involve dental injuries! They range from avulsion (complete displacement of a tooth) and luxation (dislocation of a tooth) to chipped teeth to fractures. There’s no denying that prioritising oral safety in sports is crucial. We sit down with doctors from Expat Dental to discuss how mouth guards for sports can prevent injuries in kids and adults.
The prevalence of dental injuries in sports
“The impact of dental injuries can be significant. And patients often aren’t aware of the real lifetime cost of a dental injury,” says Expat Dental’s Dr Josh Liu. The cost to treat an avulsed tooth over a lifetime can be between $5000 and $20,000. And studies have shown that greater than five million teeth are avulsed in the United States every year, accruing nearly $500 million in cost for care.
That’s why Dr Liu believes that mouth guards are a must for athletes of all ages, especially kids, due to their role in preventing injuries. “No one expects an injury to occur, and they are usually unpredictable incidents. Mouth guards for sports act as a protective barrier for the teeth, gums, lips and jaw, reducing the risk of dental trauma.”
Moreover, beyond preventing dental injuries like dislocated or chipped teeth, mouth guards can help mitigate various types of injuries. That’s because they act as a buffer between the face and the impact. “In addition to protecting the teeth and face, they could potentially lower the risk of sports related concussions,” adds Expat Dental’s Dr Matt Thompson.
Raising awareness of mouth guards for sports
The creation of reminders such as Facial Protection Month (established in the US in 2016), where health organisations join forces to promote orofacial protection and the use of mouth guards for sports, is a good first step, says Dr Thompson. It’s something the Expat Dental team actively promotes in Singapore within its practice and to its partners as well.
“However, there is still a high number of athletes and sport players that do not use mouth guards because of the perception of them being expensive and the need for at least one visit to the dentist,” says Dr Thompson. “It’s always important to remember that they are a preventive measure against much more costly dental treatments such as getting a crown or implant.”
How to choose the best mouth guard for sports
When it comes to mouth guard for sports, there are several options available such as stock (ready-made), boil-and-bite (self-fitted) and custom ones. Dr Liu advocates for custom-fit mouth guards provided by a dentist. Compared to the first two that tend to be looser fitting, custom mouth guards offer the best fit and protection against dental injuries. That’s because they are designed specifically for an individual’s mouth, providing optimal comfort and functionality.
Making custom mouth guards even more comfortable to wear are the many high-tech advancements in mouth guard technology in recent years. In particular, 3D scanning and printing technology have made it easier and more cost-effective to produce moulds that provide an even better fit. Meanwhile, high-tech smart mouth guards now boast integrated sensors that can detect impacts, measure force and even alert medical professionals in real time if the wearer experiences a significant impact. Ongoing material and design technology are making them more durable and comfortable too.
Mouth guards for kids with braces
With little teeth still developing, children athletes are vulnerable to dental injuries. That is especially true for children with braces, explains Expat Dental’s Dr Clara Gibson. “Those who wear braces or other orthodontic appliances are at an increased risk of oral injuries. Without a mouth guard for sports, there is a risk that any wires or brace material could pierce the lip causing a laceration or the brace becomes partially dislodged, causing discomfort. Mouth guards provide an extra layer of protection, reducing the risk of damage to orthodontic brackets, wires and the inside of the mouth.”
How often should parents replace their child’s mouth guard? Dr Gibson tells us that for the first year of orthodontic treatment, when teeth are still moving a lot, a new mouth guard would be needed ideally every three to six months. However, as teeth stabilise, a mouth guard should fit for longer and require less frequent replacement.
Still, braces can put additional pressure on the mouth guard, leading to more wear and tear. Over time, it may become less effective in providing adequate protection and comfort. Therefore, Dr Gibson stresses the importance of regular replacements to ensure proper protection.
Custom mouth guards at Expat Dental
Dr Thompson walks us through the process of creating custom mouth guards at the clinic:
- The first step is to take an impression of the athlete’s teeth and gums.
- From there, the next step is to design the mouth guard. This may involve using specialised software and technology to create a custom-fit mouth guard that suits the athlete’s unique dental structure and bite.
- During the fabrication stage, any additional customisation, such as adding team colours, logos or the athlete’s name, may be done.
- The mouth guard is then fitted to ensure it provides a comfortable and secure fit for the athlete
What happens when a tooth really can’t be fixed?
Whether your little athlete has come home with chipped teeth or experienced a complete displacement, Expat Dental’s Dr Shaun Thompson assures us that there are solutions available for more serious dental injuries. One of which is cosmetic dentistry.
“Cosmetic dentistry is sometimes misunderstood as being exclusively for adults, but dentists have different cosmetic options when a child suffers from a dental trauma,” he explains. “Sometimes it can be important to treat an adolescent smile for better aesthetic appeal to help them gain confidence while also treating oral concerns before adulthood.”
Expat Dental – Novena Medical Center Clinic
#08-15/16 Novena Medical Center, 10 Sinaran Drive | 6397 6318
Expat Dental – Raffles Place Clinic
#01-00 Malacca Centre, 20 Malacca Street | 6816 5742
expatdental.com | info@expatdental.com
Liked this article about mouth guards for sports, to prevent chipped teeth and dental injuries? Read on for more tips on health and fitness.
