Review article
Temporomandibular injuries and disorders in sport
Vjekoslav Jerolimov
; School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Orofacial injuries are common in sporting activities, depending on type of sport and many other factors. Temporomandibular injuries and disorders have been found in 2 – 6 % of all orofacial injuries cases, and they are the result of macrotraumas and microtraumas of the mandible, the temporomandibular joint and adjacent anatomic structures. The results of such traumas are of different symptomatology and can lead to a temporary or permanent cessation of sporting activity.
Most injuries in sports, including orofacial and temporomandibular disorders, are predictable and therefore preventable. Measures for preventing orofacial injuries and temporomandibular disorders in sporting activities include various types of protection appliances: extraoral, interdental (intraoral) and combined mouth and teeth protectors. Interdental sports guards (mouthguards) can be stock or ready-made, mouth-formed or custom-made mouthguards. These mouthguards, mutually different in quality, play a very important role in prevention of orofacial and temporomandibular tissue injuries. Use of mouthguards significantly reduces the number of orofacial tissue injuries, and also reduces the severity of sustained injuries.
Sports injuries, including those to orofacial and temporomandibular area, regardless of whether they are incurred in recreational or competitive sport, require multidisciplinary approach, both in diagnostics and treatment and in implementation of prevention measures. Sports physicians, coaches, sports officials, parents and athletes themselves, should also be permanently educated on the exceptional importance of prevention measures, thus making the role of dentist in sport unavoidable.
Keywords
sport; orofacial injuries; temporomandibular disorders; prevention; custom-made mouthguards
Hrčak ID:
51494
URI
Publication date:
12.4.2010.
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