Mouth Protectors, On Guard?

What happens when an athlete receives a blow to the head?

Orofacial injuries to the face and mouth area including contusions, lacerations, bone fractures, broken and knocked out teeth, jaw-joint injuries, and eye injuries can occur. Brain trauma, including swelling, deformation of bone, and intracranial damage (any of these singly or combined) can result in brain tissue damage.

Do mouth protectors lessen the chance of concussion?

Yes, they can reduce chin-hit concussions. The primary cause of concussion is stress within the cranial cavity.

What areas of the body are protected by mouth protectors?

They support jaw structures, teeth, head and neck regions.

How does a mouth protector absorb shock?

They decrease force which is transmitted through a joint at the base of the skull. They also prevent displacement of the mandibular condyles in the fossae, protecting against concussions, neck and central nervous system injuries. Mouth protectors cushion the shock by spreading the force throughout the teeth and diminishing contact between maxillary and mandibular teeth. Mouth guards protect teeth, lips, cheeks, tongue, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and the brain. They also act as an occlusal cushion against the damaging effects of bruxism and teeth clenching during an athletic activity.

What’s serious about getting your teeth knocked out?

Most athletes are unaware of the serious implications of injury to, or loss of teeth. Broken or avulsed teeth require repair, replacement, dental filling, veneer, crown, denture or bridge work. This necessitates a lifetime of dental rehabilitation. Orofacial trauma can result in other serious medical injuries.

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