Taking the hit out of sports injuries

Dental Assistant, The,  Nov-Dec, 2005  by Cindy Smith

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Providing sportsguards has given us the distinction in the community of being a warm and caring office, concerned about the community and the people in it, especially our young athletes, the stars of the future. It has set us apart in our own way; I have had local dentists calling us to find out where they can buy a mouthguard similar to the ones that we make for their children. This has the potential for being a great market niche, or could be a profit center for a dental practice, although we have decided to make it a "caring" center instead.

We, as dental professionals need to take a more active role in helping to prevent dental-related accidents by educating the parents, coaches and athletes alike on the importance of wearing a mouthguard whenever an injury to the face or head could occur.

Whether we are promoting having a vacuum-formed or a pressure-laminated mouthguard made, fabricated in office or sent to a lab, it is important that we care enough to give the very best that we can give, a custom-made sportsguard, made only for the patient.

The Importance of Mouthguards

I always stress the importance of the patient wearing the mouthguard even when not playing sports. Many accidents happen when a child is riding a bike (we stress helmets also) or even playing tag football with family in the front yard. We always have the player (if over 18) read and sign an informed consent, because it is a necessary precaution for our office but also because it stresses the importance of "wearing" the sportsguard and never transferring it to anyone else to wear. It also reiterates the importance of having another one made at least once a year. When they have the mouthguard delivered, I tell them how to keep it clean (brush with your toothpaste and toothbrush, put upside down in the case and leave the lid open until it dries). Never rinse the mouthguard in very warm or hot water because it may distort it, then it won't fit. A copy of our informed consent form appears below.

SPORTS MOUTHGUARD

I hereby consent for--to have a custom-made mouthguard made by Knowlton Dental Associates. I have been informed that the mouthguard needs to be examined periodically and is good for only one season. If my son/daughter is wearing braces the mouthguard may need to be replaced every three months or as directed by the Orthodontist. The mouthguard is made specifically for my son/daughter and is not transferable. It is to be used solely for helping protect teeth and surrounding tissues during athletic activities, events, and practices and to help prevent concussions and reduce the probability of head and neck injuries. The mouthguard is not to be cut or altered in any way as this reduces the protective properties of the mouthguard. The mouthguard should be cleansed with toothpaste and cold water only and stored in a cool area, otherwise distortions occur. I understand that this mouthguard is not a guarantee that injury will not occur.

PATIENT --

DATE --