Sports dentistry is one of the most recent and upcoming fields in dentistry. It mainly includes the prevention and management of sports related orofacial injuries and associated oral diseases including the increased risk of dental decay. The sports or team dentist assists athletes in the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of oral injuries.
The most significant aspect in preventing sports-related orofacial injuries is wearing basic protective devices such as properly fitting helmets, face masks and/or mouth guards.
Dental injuries are the most common type of orofacial injury sustained during participation in sports. Many athletes are not aware of the health implications of a traumatic injury to the mouth or of the potential for incurring severe head and orofacial injuries while playing. The dentist can play an imperative role in informing athletes, coaches and patients about the importance of preventing orofacial injuries in sports.
Advice from the dentist will include nutritional support to the athlete to allow maximum participation in the sport without compromising dental health.
Steven Kell has completed the year long sports dentistry course at the Eastman Dental Institute in London. His training in sports dentistry included work at Saracens Rugby Club.
Steven is the Dentist of Brighton and Hove Albion, advising players on nutrition and how to get maximum performance but minimise dental health problems. Steven is on hand on match days should on the pitch trauma occur, and provides dental screening at the Lancing academy. Steven is also commissioned with Brighton and Hove Hockey Club.
Steven participated in a recent scientific study, commissioned from the Eastman Dental Institute University College London relating to professional footballers and their dental health.
Lewes High Street Dental Practice is highly trained in dental trauma and is willing to treat and advise anyone who suffers this. It is imperative if you suffer an injury you seek advice immediately.
The importance of oral health in training for sports are undoubtedly documented in these two scientific papers:
Oral health and elite sport performance »
Oral health and impact on performance of athletes participating in the London 2012 Olympic Games: a cross-sectional study »
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