Wrap Your Laughing Gear Around Some Safety Gear

The plan was simple yet effective.  The car turned into the one-way street and was rammed by the assassin's car.  The assassin wore an appropriate seatbelt and mouthguard, eventually acquiring a case of unmarked bills.

This is a scene from Payback, Mel Gibson's most recent movie, in which he plays a gangster.  Although being a gangster is not a safe profession, safety was exercised by using a mouthguard.

The hard knock at footy, the collision with the goal post, the top edge of a cricket bat, the swinging hockey stick, a wayward elbow, boot or knee can have disastrous and permanent results for teeth.

When playing sport where there is even the slightest chance of a knock or blow to the head, a mouthguard should be worn.  A mouthguard acts like a shock absorber to the teeth and jaw.  It does more than help prevent dental trauma - a properly fitted mouthguard will also help prevent damage to the jaw, gums, neck and even the brain, helping prevent concussion.  Damage to these areas is prevented by reducing the risk of jaw dislocation and pressure placed on the base of the skull.

A properly fitted mouthguard should provide adequate protection, comfort and uninterrupted breathing, while still allowing the athlete to talk properly.  The old style 'boil and bite' models are not as effective as they tend to flop around in the mouth and have limited protection due to the formation phase.  They do however, provide better protection than nothing at all.

Most athletes find that impaired breathing and speech are reason enough to discontinue using a mouthguard.  The type tailored by a dentist fit snugly to the upper teeth, allowing the athlete to talk and breathe effectively and easily.

If a tooth is knocked out of the socket completely, you must act quickly.  Teeth reinserted into their socket within 30 minutes have the best chance of surviving.  Follow these steps for the best possible results:

• Locate the tooth, being sure to only touch the crown (white) only and not the roots (yellow area).

• If the tooth is dirty, rinse it in milk prior to insertion.  Alternatively, rinse the tooth in cold water (but only for a few seconds), or have the athlete suck the tooth clean.

• Gently reinsert the tooth in its socket (it is easiest if the athlete does this).

• The athlete should hold the tooth in place with pressure from a finger or by biting on a clean cloth.

• Refer urgently to a dentist.

there's no second chance with a mouthguard - it either works the first time or it's too late!

As well as protecting your teeth and gums, mouthguards can also be fun.  Imagine your whole team smiling at your opposition with your team logo and colours.

Give your teeth a sporting chance and consult your dentist about a custom made mouthguard today.  Remember - there's no second chance with a mouthguard - it either works the first time or it's too late.

Editors Note - A new range of mouthguards, able to be custom fabricated by the user, are now available from retailers, pharmacies and sports stores.  The mouthguard combines the boil and bite method with a quick setting silicone compound, forming an intimate impression and fit around the upper teeth.  At the cost of less than $20.00 these mouthguards are a first in retail custom fabricated mouthguards, and a big step toward reducing the frequency and extent of unnecessary, sport related oral facial injuries.

by Daniel Luschwitz, Project Officer - Sports Medicine Australia  
                                                                       Winter 1999

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