Authors:
Simonetta D’Ercole
;
Diego Martinelli
and
Domenico Tripodi
Affiliation:
Department of Medical, Oral, and Biotechnological Sciences, Dental School, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Via dei Vestini,31 and Italy
Keyword(s):
Sports, Oral Health, Saliva, Mouthguard, Sports Dentistry.
Abstract:
Prevention of oral pathologies, traumatic events and gnatological disorders is a cornerstone of modern dentistry. Oral health may limit athletes ability, both during training and competitions. Careful analysis indicates that the athletes' health can be at risk in a wide range of sports disciplines. Role of sport dentist is crucial, and a dental specialist should be included in the team that follows the athlete. In addition, it is crucial to alert the whole sporting world to the importance of using individual mouthguards. The custom-made mouthguard, is an effective device helping to avoid dental trauma. Additionally it can provide the trasmission of such substances as chlorhexidine, fluorine and casein to control the ecological variation of the oral cavity induced by the sport itself. It also offers a psychological support and better occlusal stability, which have a positive impact on sports performance. Thus an individual mouthguard should be adopted in all disciplines and sports cat
egories where there is a potential risk of dental injuries. But it should be designed and manufactured by specialized dentists and dental technicians.
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