Preventing Injuries to the Mouth and Face
The consequences of trauma to the mouth and face are substantial for children and their families because of the potential for pain, interference with chewing or talking, cosmetic effects of missing teeth, psychological distress and economic implications. Although some sports- related injuries are unavoidable, most can be prevented. Mouthguards, facemasks and helmets have been shown to reduce both the frequency and severity of dental and orofacial trauma, however, few sports have regulations that require their use. The National Federation of State High School Associations mandates mouthguards for only four sports: football, ice hockey, lacrosse and field hockey. Four New England states have been successful in increasing the number of sports requiring mouthguard use to include soccer, wrestling and basketball. There are still other ways that children are at risk for injuries of the head and neck. We have seen many injuries from scooters, pogo sticks, and bikes.
Wearing a custom made mouthguard when playing sports protects the teeth and can reduce the force of a blow that can cause concussions, neck injuries and jaw fractures. A second option would be a preformed mouthguard, however they are not as protective because they do not fit as well as a custom made mouthguard. Custom-fabricated mouthguards are made from a mold of a patient’s teeth. These mouthguards are more comfortable and provide more protection than the store bought type and children are more likely to wear a mouthguard that is comfortable. If your child has a head injury, you should have your child see a physician immediately. If there are any cuts or breaks in the skin, you should review your child’s tetanus vaccination status with his or her physician.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (www.aapd.org) recommends that children wear night guards for all contact sports or when there is potential danger to the mouth.