Sports Requiring Mandatory Neck Protection
There is currently a lack of proven, practical, and effective devices for safeguarding the neck against musculoskeletal injuries. However, the most reliable form of protection lies in developing a strong neck musculature through proper training and refraining from participating in sports while injured. Before returning to the field, it is crucial to carefully assess neck injuries using functional X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans.
BASEBALL and SOFTBALL:
In the realm of baseball and softball, a compulsory piece of protective equipment is a throat guard that extends below the catches of the face mask. This guard shields the anterior throat structures from injury caused by direct contact with the ball.
AMERICAN FOOTBALL:
In American football, players are provided with a neck orthosis that fits beneath the shoulder pad and extends to the side and back of the neck. This orthosis provides support for the helmet, minimizing neck movements and reducing the impact forces transmitted to the head. However, it is important to note that this device does not protect against neck injuries or stabilize an injured neck.
ICE HOCKEY:
For ice hockey players, a specialized guard is designed to prevent neck injuries caused by pucks, rings, balls, and the metal blades on ice skates. This protection is particularly critical for goaltenders, as they are more susceptible to injuries in this area.
Sports Requiring Mandatory Mouth Protection
In sports involving body contact, the use of mouthguards is highly recommended. These guards play a crucial role to absorb and dissipate forces from direct blows, protecting oral soft tissues from lacerations or scratches, and providing direct protection to the teeth.
A properly designed and fitted mouth guard can even offer protection against concussions and mandible fractures. It should cover the occlusal surface of the upper teeth and extend almost to the upper aspect of the gums. This ensures a barrier between the lips, buccal mucosa, and teeth. Ideally, the mouth guard should extend beyond the last tooth on each side to ensure an optimal fit and coverage.
Improperly fitted mouthguards can lead to ulcers in the soft tissues and fail to adequately protect the wearer. To ensure maximum safety, there are four main types of mouthguards available:
The four basic types of mouthguards:
- Stock or off shelf guard
- Mouth formed guards
- Custom made mouthguard
- Bi-axillary mouthguard
STOCK OR OFF SHELF GUARD:
These mouthguards are made from rubber or plastic and come in various shapes and limited sizes. They are held in place by clenching them between the upper and lower teeth. However, it is important to note that stock mouthguards offer the least protection against concussions and dental injuries.
MOUTH FORMED GUARDS:
Comprising a firm outer shell and a soft rubber liner, mouth-formed guards are heated and then fitted into position by biting into them while they are still warm. This process enhances the fit, contour, and overall comfort of the guard, providing better protection compared to stock mouthguards.
CUSTOM MADE MOUTH GUARDS:
Custom-made mouthguards are crafted by dentists or orthodontists using precise plaster casts of an individual’s teeth. These guards are made from elastic thermoplastic material, allowing for easy and accurate modifications to ensure optimal comfort, fit, and sport-specific modifications can be made easily and accurately.
BI-AXILLARY MOUTH GUARDS:
Primarily used after jaw fractures or similar traumas, bi-axillary mouthguards cover both the upper and lower teeth, providing additional protection. These guards are designed to lock the jaws in a predetermined position, making breathing and speaking more challenging compared to other mouthguards.
To maintain hygiene and prevent the buildup of mold, all mouthguards should be stored in a perforated plastic box. Additionally, they should be thoroughly washed with disinfectant before and after use.
Sports where mouth guards are mandatory:
Mouthguards are mandatory in various sports, including collision sports such as football, hockey, boxing, martial arts, roller hockey, skateboarding, shot putting, weight lifting, wrestling, skiing, skydiving, squash, and water polo.
Mouth guards play a crucial role in preventing various dental injuries, including but not limited to:
1. Intruded tooth: A condition where a tooth is pushed into the jawbone due to a forceful impact.
2. Extruded tooth: Occurs when a tooth is partially dislodged from its socket.
3. Lateral displacement: Refers to the displacement of a tooth in a sideways direction.
4. Avulsion: The complete displacement of a tooth from its socket, often resulting from a severe blow.
5. Fracture: A break or crack in the tooth structure, which can lead to pain and sensitivity.
6. Broken or chipped tooth: When a tooth suffers damage, resulting in a partial or complete breakage.
It is essential to recognize the significance of mouth guards in safeguarding oral health during sports activities. By wearing a mouth guard, athletes can significantly reduce the risk of dental injuries and maintain their overall well-being.