3- Sports Dentistry

Question 1

Why is sports dentistry important?

Answer 1

participating in sports carries a considerable risk of dental/orofacial injuries

30-50% of these injuries are preventable

Question 2

What is the dental teams role in sports management? (3 categories)

Answer 2

Prevention

• education (inform of risks)
• sports drinks, hydration
• diet
• protective wear - mouthguards

Diagnosis

• occlusion (class II div 2 - increased overjet, incompetent lips), wisdom teeth (less bone at angle of md, some rugby players electively remove wisdoms)
• erosion
• dental trauma

Management/Treatment

Question 3

Which sports/age demographic is at most risk of injury?

Answer 3

all sporting activities have associated risk of oro-facial injuries due to falls, collisions, contact with hard surfaces and contact w sports-related equipment

begins around 8-14yo mainly 7-11, except swimming 0-9yo

increased injuries with age in group sports

highest incidence of sports related dental injuries in 15-18yo males

M>F
high SES
boys: ball sports, hockey, cycling
girls: gymnastics etc

other activities: skateboarding, roller blading, cycling (most common product related to sports injuries in children), trampolines esp when 2 kids bump

Question 4

What are the most commonly involved areas in sports-related dental/orofacial injuries? (3)

Answer 4

• upper lip
• maxilla
• maxillary incisors (50-80% of dental injuries involve)

Question 5

What factors do sports related injuries vary on?

Answer 5

• age
• demographic (may effect amt of protective equipment they have access to)
• gender (males more competitive)
• sport/role (upfront vs back)
• experience
• coaching
• protection
• exposure time (weekly vs monthly)
• occlusion

Question 6

What 3 factors do caries related to sports depend on? What is important?

Answer 6

drinks
dehydration
diet

prevention, diagnosis, management - aetiology, give recommendations

Question 7

Briefly explain cariogenicity of sports drinks

Answer 7

around 10% carbohydrate - glucose, maltose or dextrose

low pH 2.4-4.5

cariogencity similar to fruit juice and carbonated drinks

regular/frequent intake -> increased risk of caries and erosion

easy to get dehydrated in australia, make sure to give alternatives

Question 8

Are females more at risk of EDs in sport?

Answer 8

Yes, light-weight/slim sports and female athletes more at risk (gymnastics, rowers) of anorexia/bulimia

but also other extremes - sumo wrestlers

Question 9

Describe 3 types of mouthguards in sport.

Answer 9

I. Custom made:

• impression, model and vacuum form or heat-pressure laminated
• best retention
• best protection
• best comfort (easiest to breath - more inclined to wear)

II. Boil and bite:

• most popular
• 2nd best
• themoplastic material put into boiling water then adapted to mouth via finger, tongue and biting pressure
• large variation in protection, comfort, retention
• ok for short term

III. Stock:

• least protection
• universal sizes therefore passive fit
• lack of retention (held in place by constant clenching)
• interferes with speech and breathing
• potential hazard for airway
• poor compliance

Question 10

Requirements of custom made mouthguard? (4

Answer 10

1. for maximum protection, cushioning and retention - should cover all teeth except 8s in at least one arch
2. establish proper mx and md anterior occlusion -> prevents/reduces injury by absorbing and distributing force of impact
3. consider VDO, personal comfort and breathing ability

Question 11

T/F You must only wear mouthguards in contact sports

Answer 11

F, dentistry now recommends wearing properly fitted mouthguards in non-contact sports such as in-line skating and gymnastics

Question 12

What does a PROPERLY fitted mouthguard reduce risk of and how?

Answer 12

reduces chances from blow to face that can injure your teeth, lips, cheeks, tongue and jaw*

cushioning between arches may reduce incidence or severity of condylar displacement and concussion risk

Question 13

What factors within team/family may influence usage of MGs by kids? Which is the greatest? What should you do?

Answer 13

attitudes of officials, coaches, parents and players influence usage

coaches are probably the individuals w the greatest impact on whether or not player use (tell coaches to send pts to u)

informed parents should be equally responsible for maintaining use

role -> influence and educate all stakeholders about the risk of sports related orofacial injuries

• prevention
• education
• treatment cards
  e. g. for immediate management of avulsed teeth incase it happens

Question 14

Other considerations for kids in sports?

Answer 14

• drugs
• tobacco
• performance enhancing substances
• intraoral jewellery/piercings