7 prevention of traumatic dental injuries03 Lama K El Banna

1. Dr. Ahmed Salman Al Shawi

2. Traumatic injuries to the teeth have always been an
important problem among children and young
people, but accident occurs in such a variety of
circumstances that many cannot be anticipated or
prevented.
The incidence of fractured teeth could be reduced
significantly by correcting the predisposing
factors.

3. Recently, there has been growing awareness of the high
frequency of injuries to anterior teeth among those taking part
in contact sports such as football, boxing and wrestling/
Children with proclined teeth are particularly susceptible to
trauma.
Early orthodontic therapy is an important preventive measure
in order to reduce excessive over jet and maxillary protrusion.
Moving the teeth into a more favorable alignment
considerably reduces the likelihood of injury.

4. The dentist should determine whether any of his patients is
likely to be involved in sport activity likely to result in trauma
to face or jaws and to assess any protection can be given.
In some contact sports, the use of mouth protectors is
obligatory.
At the practice level, it has been found that fractured teeth
would appear to be associated most .frequently with the "non-
contact" sports or "individual" sports such as cycling, cricket
and swimming.

5. Several varieties of mouth protectors are available.
They should be comfortable to wear, protect the teeth
and the gingivae, and should not affect breathing or
speech.
Three sizes of mouth protector are usually considered.
MOUTH PROTECTORS OR MOUTH
GUARDS:

6. They are usually supplied in three different sizes: small,
medium and large.
The appropriate size is chosen for the individual and
trimmed as necessary to fit on the upper jaw some
remolding in the mouth is possible by prior immersion in
the water.
These protectors are generally considered unsatisfactory
because they are loose and thus are not tolerated.
Also there would not necessarily be proper coverage of
vulnerable areas.
1.STOCK PREFABRICATED VINYL
PROTECTORS:

7. These are usually supplied in a kit containing a plastic
shell, which is matched to the upper arch and trimmed
where necessary.
The fitting surface is filled with a mixed soft acrylic or
silicon and put to place on the maxillary teeth where
the material is allowed to set while the teeth are gently
closed together. Further trimming of the margins is
carried out.
2.MOUTH FORMED PROTECTORS:

8. 1. Excess bulk.
2. Less comfort.
3. Interferes with speech.
4. Difficult to adjust.
5. Repeated tear.
DISADVANTAGES:

9. 1. Reasonably quick to construct
2. Less expensive.
3. Could be used for fluoride application.
ADVANTAGES:

10. This may be made of rigid (acrylic) or semi- rigid (Poly vinyl
resin) material on a stone cast of the maxillary arch of the
individual.
When taking impressions, all removable appliances should be
removed from the mouth. The advantages of custom made
protectors are:
A.Lack of excessive bulk
B.Careful coverage of vulnerable areas.
C.Do not encroach on the free way space occlusally.
3. CUSTOM MADE PROTECTORS: