24/Sep/2007
By Dr. Mark W. Garon, DDS
As a pediatric dentist we are faced with many difficult situations
involving trauma to the teeth and face. Sports injuries are a large percentage
of these injuries. Ironically the leading cause of these dental injuries are
not related to football, but are the result of baseball and basketball
accidents.
I specifically have a teenage baseball team here in Zachary with at least
three kids who have sustained dental injuries while playing baseball. One child
completely avulsed (knocked out) a tooth and
others have fractured their upper permanent incisors.
Since a helmet is required as well as the use of a mouth protector in football,
many injuries are prevented. But in baseball, basketball and other sports a
helmet and mouth protectors are not required. This fact can lead to serious
injuries to the face and teeth.
Wearing a mouth protector could have prevented many of these injuries. Listed below are recommendations from the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry concerning emergency care and the use of mouth protectors. More information can be obtained by visiting their Web site at www.aapd.org.
Mouth Protectors
Q:
What are athletic mouth protectors?
A:
Athletic mouth protectors, or mouth guards, are made of soft plastic. They are
adapted to fit comfortably to the shape of the upper teeth.
Q:
Why are mouth guards important?
A:
Mouth guards hold top priority as sports equipment. They protect not just the
teeth, but the lips, cheeks, and tongue. They help protect children from such
head and neck injuries as concussions and jaw fractures. Increasingly,
organized sports are requiring mouth guards to prevent injury to their
athletes. Research shows that most oral injuries occur when athletes are not
wearing mouth protection.
Q:
When should my child wear a mouth guard?
A:
Whenever he or she is in an activity with a risk of falls or of head contact
with other players or equipment. This includes football, baseball, basketball,
soccer, hockey, skateboarding, even gymnastics. We usually think of football
and hockey as the most dangerous to the teeth, but nearly half of
sports-related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball.
Q:
How do I choose a mouth guard for my child?
A:
Any mouth guard works better than no mouth guard. So, choose a mouth guard that
your child can wear comfortably. If a mouth guard feels bulky or interferes
with speech, it will be left in the locker room.
You
can select from several options in mouth guards. First, preformed or
"boil-to-fit" mouth guards are found in sports stores. Different
types and brands vary in terms of comfort, protection, and cost. Second,
customized mouth guards are provided through your pediatric dentist. They cost
a bit more, but are more comfortable and more effective in preventing injuries.
Your pediatric dentist can advise you on what type of mouth guard is best for
your child.
Emergency Care
When
your child needs urgent dental treatment, your pediatric dentist stands ready
to help. Please keep the emergency number available and convenient.
Q:
What should I do if my child's baby tooth is knocked out?
A:
Contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
Q:
What should I do if my child's permanent tooth is knocked out?
A:
Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. (Do not scrub it or clean it
with soap -- use just water!) If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and
hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can't put the tooth back
in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva, or
water. Get to the pediatric dental office immediately. (Call the emergency
number if it's after hours.) The faster you act, the better your chances of
saving the tooth.
Q:
What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?
A:
Contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth,
prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the
mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If you can find
the broken tooth fragment, bring it with you to the dentist.
Q:
What about a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture?
A:
Go immediately to the emergency room of your local hospital. A blow to the head
can be life threatening.
Q:
What if my child has a toothache?
A:
Call your pediatric dentist and visit the office promptly. To comfort your
child, rinse the mouth with water. Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth.
Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.
Q:
Can dental injuries be prevented?
A:
Absolutely! First, reduce oral injury in sports by wearing mouth guards.
Second, always use a car seat for young children. Require seat belts for
everyone else in the car. Third, childproof your home to prevent falls,
electrical injuries, and choking on small objects. Fourth, protect your child
from unnecessary toothaches with regular dental visits and preventive care.
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