Many sports injuries can be prevented by wearing appropriate protective gear. April is National Facial Protection Month and Westfield/Linden/Cranford orthodontists Drs. Scott and Stanley Gersch and dental colleagues want to remind athletes, their parents and coaches to play it safe by wearing mouth guards and appropriate protective gear when participating in activities that could cause injuries.
Mouth guards are one of the least expensive pieces of protective equipment available. Over-the-counter versions cost as little as $5. Not only do mouth guards save teeth and protect jaws from breaks, Dr. Scott Gersch notes that mouth guards may also protect against neck injuries and central nervous system injuries by decreasing the force transmitted through the jaw to the base of the skull. Mouth guards can only provide protection when they are worn, so Dr. Stanley Gersch advises parents and coaches to remind youngsters to always use a mouth guard when participating in any activity during which the mouth could come into contact with a hard object or the pavement.
“Athletes who wear braces should consult their orthodontist for a recommendation of the best mouth guard to wear during orthodontic treatment,” said Dr. Scott Gersch.
Consistent use of other protective equipment is important too. Helmets save lives and prevent head injuries. They should be worn for activities such as bicycling, skateboarding or skating on in-line skates. Helmet wear is mandated for many organized sports. “Helmets should be worn for any activity that puts the head at risk,” Dr. Gersch said.
Face guards, devices made of plastic or metal that attach to baseball helmets, help to prevent facial injuries as well.
In the event of a dental injury, Drs. Stanley and Scott Gersch offer these tips:
• Clean the injured area and apply ice.
• Save the tip of the tooth (for possible reattachment) and call your dentist right away.
Knocked out tooth
• Locate the tooth; hold it by the crown (the wide part, not the pointed end/root).
• AVOID RUBBING THE ROOT OR TOUCHING IT.
• Rinse the tooth ONLY if there is a need to remove debris.
• Put the tooth back in its socket; cover with gauze or tissue and bite down to stabilize it. Or briefly store the tooth in cold milk or salt water, or between the cheek and gum.
• Do not let the tooth dry out. A tooth may be saved if cared for properly and reimplanted within an hour.
• See your dentist immediately.
National Facial Protection Month is sponsored annually by Drs. Stanley and Scott Gersch at Gersch Orthodontics (GerschOrtho.com), the American Association of Orthodontists (braces.org), the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (aaoms.org) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (aapd.org).
Gersch Orthodontics & Cranford Orthodontics: 547 East Broad St., Westfield; 401 North Wood Ave., Linden; 118 North Ave West, Cranford.