Sports Dentistry
"Protect Your Smile, Elevate Your Game."
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SPORTS DENTISTRY & ITS IMPORTANCE
Sports Dentistry is the prevention and treatment of dental injuries and related oral diseases, as well as the sharing of information and equipment designed to help protect the teeth, mouth, jaw, and face of athletes of all ages. Injuries to the teeth and mouth are common among athletes. It’s important to protect your child’s smile if he or she plays sports, for aesthetics as well as health reasons.
Tooth knocked out:
Time is the most important factor when trying to save a tooth. In general, there is a 30-minute window of opportunity to re-implant the tooth in the socket.
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Do not try to re-implant the tooth yourself.
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The best liquid to transport a tooth in is cold milk. If milk is not available, use saliva (if possible), saline, or if nothing else is available, water.
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Don’t let the tooth dry out and don’t wrap it in anything.
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Don’t touch the tooth root if you can avoid it.
Tooth chipped/cracked:
We will likely use an X-ray of the tooth to determine the treatment necessary.
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If a tooth is chipped or cracked, sometimes the tooth can be fixed with a filling or bonding alone.
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Sometimes a tooth is cracked or chipped in a way affecting the nerve of the tooth, and a more complicated treatment may be needed.
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Tooth displaced: If a tooth is moved due to trauma, see your dentist as soon as possible.
Do not try to move the tooth back on your own.
For any mouth discomfort before you get to the dentist, apply ice.
Common Dental Injuries in Sports:
SPORTS/MOUTH GUARD
They protect against broken teeth, cut lips, and other damage to the mouth. If your athlete wears braces or has fixed dental appliances (such as a bridge) on the lower jaw, the dentist may suggest a mouthguard for these teeth as well
“It acts as a cushion to absorb the blow. Whether it's a blow to the face, knee, or any other part of the body, the gear your child is wearing will absorb the impact.”
A mouth-guard, properly fitted, should be worn during any contact sport or activities where there is risk of an injury to the face e.g. footy, hockey, volleyball, soccer etc. Without a mouth-guard, sports injuries and accidents can result in damage and injury to the gum, lips or teeth, tooth fractures, knocked out teeth and jaw fractures.
Preventing Injury:
One of the best ways to prevent injury to your teeth and mouth is to wear a Mouth-guard while playing sports.
BENEFITS
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Helps to reduce the chance of concussion (temporary unconsciousness
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Protects jaw joint against injury
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Protects soft tissues from injury
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Cushions teeth against impact
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Helps prevent injuries to the jaws and neck
NIGHT GUARD
A night guard is a type of mouth guard that's a dental prosthetic device. They are also known as dental guards, bite splints, occlusal guards, or nocturnal bite plates.
Night guards, also known as occlusal guards or bite splints, are custom-made oral appliances that fit over the chewing surfaces of your teeth. They are typically worn at night to prevent teeth clenching and grinding, which can lead to excessive wear and tear, tooth damage, and discomfort in the jaw joint (TMJ). By cushioning the teeth and redistributing the forces exerted during grinding, night guards help alleviate symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and jaw pain, promoting a more restful night’s sleep and preserving your dental health.
FAQs
1. What is sports dentistry?
Sports dentistry focuses on the prevention and treatment of dental injuries and oral conditions associated with athletic activities. At Sigma Dental Clinic, we offer custom mouthguards and treat sports-related injuries such as tooth fractures and jaw trauma.
2. Why do athletes need sports dentistry?
Athletes are at a higher risk for dental injuries due to the nature of their sports. Sports dentistry helps protect against damage and ensures prompt treatment, allowing athletes to maintain oral health and performance.
3. What types of mouthguards do you provide?
At Sigma Dental Clinic, we provide custom-made mouthguards tailored to fit each individual athlete. These mouthguards offer better protection, comfort, and durability compared to over-the-counter versions.
4. How can sports dentistry improve my performance?
A healthy mouth and properly aligned teeth contribute to overall physical performance by improving breathing, reducing pain, and preventing injury. A well-fitted mouthguard also reduces the risk of concussion during high-impact sports.
5. How often should I replace my sports mouthguard?
Mouthguards should typically be replaced every season or sooner if they show signs of wear and tear. For growing athletes, more frequent replacements may be necessary to accommodate changes in the mouth.
6. What should I do if I experience a dental injury during sports?
In case of a dental injury, it's essential to seek immediate treatment. At Sigma Dental Clinic, we offer emergency dental care to treat broken, knocked-out, or displaced teeth, as well as any related jaw injuries.
7. Are dental injuries common in sports?
Yes, dental injuries are common, especially in contact sports such as football, basketball, and hockey. Wearing a custom mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of such injuries.
8. Does Sigma Dental Clinic offer treatment for dental trauma from sports?
Yes, we specialize in treating various types of dental trauma, including cracked or broken teeth, dislodged teeth, and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth.
9. Can children benefit from sports dentistry?
Absolutely. Children and adolescents participating in sports are particularly vulnerable to dental injuries, and custom mouthguards can protect their developing teeth and oral structures.
10. How does Sigma Dental Clinic ensure high-quality care in sports dentistry?
At Sigma Dental Clinic, we follow the Standard Care Operation (SCO) protocols, ensuring that every patient receives comprehensive care, from preventive strategies to prompt treatment and follow-up for sports-related dental concerns.