A suggested universal protocol for dental examination in sports

Abstract

The athletes of any sport and level submit their bodies to constant exercise. Any given pathology can increase the risk of injury, illness, or even reduced performance. The medical examination is valuable in diagnosing existing health problems and preventing medical issues that might compromise the athlete's overall health when exercising. The stomatognathic system is not an exemption, as oral pathologies, including dental caries and periodontal diseases, are found in high incidence in sports. The need for accurate and detailed dental examination in sports leaded dentists from the European Association for Sports Dentistry and the Academy for Sports Dentistry to elaborate a universal dental examination in sports protocol that can record the overall oral health of the athlete, including the teeth, periodontium, and musculoskeletal screening, for all athletes. The outcome of this stomatognathic examination allows sports physicians and professionals other than dentists to have a complete image of the individual oral health condition of any given athlete, and it allows the dentists to efficiently screen and prevent pathologies, as well as to advise on the eligibility to practice sports from the oral health perspective.

Prevention of orofacial trauma in sports and beyond—What can be done further?

“…9,10 To reduce the incidence and severity of oral trauma, a custom-made mouthguard is recommended. [11][12][13] Contact sports-related dental trauma contributes to a significant proportion of sports injuries among school children. 6,14 In this issue, Udayamalee et al 15 Basketball is characterized by sprinting and jumping, a very aggressive defense system, and body contact among players, making contact injuries likely.…”

“…The main concerns are not only the physical and functional impact but also the esthetic ramifications, psychosocial impairment, and incurred cost 9,10 . To reduce the incidence and severity of oral trauma, a custom‐made mouthguard is recommended 11–13 . Contact sports‐related dental trauma contributes to a significant proportion of sports injuries among school children 6,14 .…”

Enhancing mouthguard longevity: Impact of surface treatment against aging from brushing and disinfectant exposure

“…Besides encouraging the use of the appropriate fitting and designed mouthguards, improvements should be made to their maintenance and guidance on how to clean them so that they last longer 14,15 . To prolong the life of the mouthguard, it is crucial to identify a disinfection method that minimally impacts the device's surface, preserving its properties and, consequently, its effectiveness.…”

Dental Traumatology research and education—Foundations for a better tomorrow

“…Different types of dental and orofacial injuries are encountered during sports practice 35 . Mouthguards are used to prevent dental trauma and orofacial injuries in sports 8 .…”