WEST ALLIS, Wisconsin – As spring and warm weather arrives, there is an increase in sporting and outdoor activities – and a spike in facial injuries. April is National Facial Protection Month and it is important to know how to prevent facial injuries, how they can affect your dental health and why it’s important to wear mouthguards.

Facial traumas are all too common injuries that almost everyone has experienced at some point. Mouth, face and jaw injuries can happen on the job or in the home, in a motor vehicle accident or as an act of violence.

In addition, many facial injuries happen while playing sports. Most of these injuries can be avoided by wearing a properly-fitted mouthguard. The Academy of General Dentistry says athletes are 70 times more likely to sustain damage to their teeth when not wearing a mouthguard.

There is evidence that shows mouthguard use may prevent or reduce the severity of a concussion, says Dr. Mary Ann Campbell, endodontist at Gunderson Lutheran in La Crosse . Gunderson Lutheran, in conjunction with the local YMCA, has hosted clinics to provide low-cost mouthguards to area athletes of all ages.

“A mouth protector is a seat belt for your teeth,” Campbell explains. ”A properly fitted mouthguard is an important piece of athletic gear – for youth and adults.”

“Their use should be mandatory in organized sports and they should be worn by athletes of all ages,” she stresses.

Campbell sees all sorts of facial injuries in her practice. Although, she doesn’t recall an injury caused from playing football because mouthguards are already required of these athletes. She does see a high percentage of injuries resulting from baseball and non-organized sports, such as rollerblading and skate boarding.

There are three types of mouthguards. Stock and mouth-formed (or “boil and bite”) mouth protectors can be purchased at most sporting goods stores and are the least expensive, but offer minimal protection. Custom-fitted mouthguards from a dentist are more expensive, but offer superior fit and protection because of the close adaptation to the teeth. Athletes who have braces, dental implants or fixed bridgework are encouraged to have their dentist make a custom-fitted mouthguard.

“Custom-fitted mouthguards also are the most comfortable and athletes who wear them are less likely to experience gagging, difficulty breathing and talking, which are all common complaints of wearing mouthguards,” Campbell says. “They can even be made in a variety of colors to coordinate with teams and uniforms.”

Parents and coaches are encouraged to get involved and support the use of custom-fitted mouthguards. “Often, mouthguard use isn’t even considered until after an athlete has already sustained an injury,” Campbell says.

Prevention is the best policy when it comes to facial injuries. In addition to mouthguards, anyone who rides in a motor vehicle or on a motorcycle or bicycle should wear seat belts and helmets. These are all easy ways for youth and adults to prevent even the most severe facial injuries.

Established in 1870, the Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) is headquartered in West Allis . With more than 2,900 members statewide, the WDA represents the vast majority of practicing dentists in Wisconsin . Its members are committed to promoting professional excellence and quality oral health care. The WDA is one of 53 constituent (state-territorial) dental societies of the American Dental Association - the largest and oldest national dental association in the world. For more information on the WDA, call 414-276-4520 or visit www.wda.org.

April is National Facial Protection Month

Sidebar – Caring for mouthguards

• Rinse with cold water or with an antiseptic mouth rinse before and after each use.
• Clean with toothpaste and a toothbrush after each use.
• When not being used, place the mouthguard in a firm, perforated container. This permits air circulation and helps prevent damage.
• Avoid high temperatures, such as hot water, hot surfaces or direct sunlight, which can distort the mouthguard.
• Check for tears, holes and a snug fit. Mouthguards that are torn or in bad shape can be uncomfortable and provide less protection.
• Get regular dental checkups and bring your mouthguard along, so the dentist can make sure it’s still in good condition.

SOURCE: Wisconsin Dental Association

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