Sports are a wonderful opportunity for our children to learn life-long, guiding principles, such as the value of team interaction, positive attitudes about life’s challenges and the ability to accept the fact that we cannot always win.
Most of our children participate in more than one sport, and the challenge of transportation and finance is considerable. Several sports mandate the use of mouth guards; however, little attention is given to the type of mouth guard that our children wear.
Each year I treat children who have fractured or lost a front tooth. These occasions are frequently more gut-wrenching for mother than for patient.
We know that approximately 80 percent of sports injuries involve teeth in the smile zone. These injuries, unfortunately, have lifelong consequences, with cost estimates exceeding $20,000 per tooth!
Until recently, I did not believe that mouth protection was really necessary. The majority of mouth guards were either “boil and bite” or “stock type” guards. It continues to be my opinion that these appliances are only slightly worse than wearing nothing at all.
Today sport participants should wear guards such as custom laminate, pressure-formed appliances. These appliances require dental impressions and laboratory assistance. The cost is higher, but these appliances actually prevent life-altering injury.
I strongly believe that all our children deserve this protection. Prevention is a superior strategy to repair. I am happy to provide any information that you would find helpful. Please feel free to e-mail us with your questions at info@adamsdentalnj.com, or give us a call at (973) 377-6500!
