A third of dental injuries caused by sport

UP TO a third of adult dental injuries are sports related, according to recent statistics.

The Irish Dental Association said contact with heads, elbows, hands, arms and sports equipment are damaging people’s teeth.

Dentists at the association’s annual conference in Wexford were told twice as many men suffer sports-related oral injury than women, but the number of female patients is rising.

Medics warned sportsmen and women to take steps to protect their teeth from injury, particularly when playing contact games.

International sports dentistry expert Dr Daniel Friedlander told delegates oral injuries can have long-term affects on areas such as speech and appearance.

“Even during non-contact sports there may be instances of accidental contact with another player or sports equipment, falling, or receiving a blow to the mouth or face. Such injury can easily result in the dislocation or fracture of teeth.

“We advise people not to risk their oral health and encourage anyone taking part in sports to go to their dentist to get advice on how best to protect their oral health and smile.”

IDA’s Dr Pat Cleary said figures suggest as many as 22% of men and 11% of women in the 25-34 age group have suffered a chip or blow to their front teeth.

“We estimate of these percentages at least one-in-three injuries are sports related and should be followed by oral examination,” he said.