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Concussion Prevention and sports
Mouthguards Concussion is an
alteration of consciousness, disturbance in vision
and equilibrium caused by a direct blow to the head,
rapid acceleration and/or deceleration of the head,
or direct blow to the base of the skull from a
vertical impact to the chin.
Levels of concussion;
- Asymptomatic- No headache,
dizziness or impaired orientation, concentration
or memory during rest or exertion.
- Mild (level 1) - No loss of
consciousness and Post traumatic amnesia (PTA)
less than 30 minutes.
- Moderate (level 2) - Loss
of consciousness less than 5 minutes or PTA
greater the 30 minutes.
- Severe (level 3) - Loss of
consciousness greater than 5 minutes or PTA
greater than 24 hours.
Symptoms of concussion;
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Facial pain
- Dizziness
- Impaired speech
During sporting events, blows are continuously
being given to the chin (jaw). When a heavy blow is
delivered to the chin, the force goes up the lower
jaw into the jaw joint, at this level the forces are
transmitted to major nerves exiting the base of the
brain, blood supplies to the brain, as well as the
balance center located near the jaw joint. The end
result is this force can leave the athlete with one
of the concussive levels and symptoms listed above.
Scientific studies and practical experience time
and again have demonstrated the effectiveness of
mouthguards in preventing facial and dental injuries
and especially the prevention of concussion.
TOOTH LOSS
In the event
that an adult (permanent) tooth is knocked out (and
any medical problems like concussions and
neurological injuries have been assessed), certain
steps should be followed to maximize survival of the
tooth:
Pick up
tooth by the crown or enamel portion, NOT the root.
Clean the
tooth with water or saline solution. Do not dry,
scrub or wrap the tooth.
Reposition
tooth in socket and hold in place.
Or,
Place tooth
in cold milk (whole milk works best), in the mouth
between cheek and teeth or in water (with a pinch of
salt if available). Keep tooth moist at all times!
See your
dentist as soon as possible, within 30 minutes, for
best chances of tooth survival and successful
replacement.
All
instances of tooth injury require an immediate visit
to your dentist
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