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Permanent
tooth
knocked
out
-
Find
the tooth. Hold it by the crown (upper part) and not by the root.
-
Rinse
it gently in cool water for a few seconds (Don't scrub it).
-
If
possible put it back in its socket. In other case put it in milk or cool
water
-
Call
emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Primary
tooth knocked out
-
· Visit
a emergency Dentist
-
· The
dentist will advice you if further treatment is required (space retainer).
Sport Injury
Don't
be the victim of a preventable injury: wear a mouth guard. While mouth guards
are not mandatory equipment in all sports, their worth is indisputable. Dentists
see many oral and facial injuries that might have been prevented by the use of a
mouth guard.
Facial injuries in
nearly every sport can result in damage to teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue. Mouth
guards cushion blows to the face and neck. A mouth guard should be part of every
athlete's gear, no matter the sport. It's better to play it safe than face a
devastating and painful oral injury.
Even adults are not
free from the dangers of mouth injuries. Dentist treat many trauma injuries in
weekend athletes. Whatever your age or sport, mouth guards are an important part
of sports safety and your exercise routine. Do what you can to protect your
smile and preserve your health.
Do's and Don'ts
- Do wear a mouth guard at all times when
playing sports.
- Do inform yourself about the most common oral
injuries.
- Do wear a mouth guard custom-fitted by your
dentist, especially if you wear fixes dental appliances such as braces or
bridgework.
- Do not wear removable appliances (retainers,
bridge, or complete or partial dentures) when playing sports.
What are your choices?
There are three types
of mouth guards: custom-made, mouth-formed and ready-made. Custom-made mouth
guards are professionally designed by your dentist from a cast model of your
teeth. Because they are designed to cover all back teeth and cushion the entire
jaw, they can prevent concussions caused by blows to the chin. Custom guards may
be slightly more expensive than commercially produced mouthpieces, but they
offer the best possible fit and protection. They are more secure in the mouth
and do not interfere with speech or breathing. Calling plays or formations, for
instance, will not be impeded by custom guards.
Mouth-formed guards,
also called "boil and bite," should also be fitted by your dentist.
This is generally done by shaping a soft pre-formed guard to the contours of the
teeth and allowing it to harden. However, these devices are difficult to design
for athletes who wear braces and can become brittle after prolonged use.
Ready-made, commercial
mouth guards can be purchased at most sporting goods stores and are made of
rubber or polyvinyl. They are the least expensive but also the least effective.
Keep your mouth guard
in top shape by rinsing it with water or mouthwash after each use and allowing
it to air-dry. With proper care, it should last the length of a season or
longer.
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