Practical Approaches to Mouthguards in Pediatric Dentistry-Practical Approaches to Mouthguards in Pediatric Dentistry

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Video Summary

Dr. Stephen Mills, a board-certified pediatric dentist and sports dentistry expert from Maine, presented a comprehensive seminar on practical approaches to mouthguards in pediatric dentistry. He emphasized the importance of mouthguards in preventing sports-related orofacial injuries, highlighting their protective roles for teeth, soft tissues, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), bones, and concussions. Supported by current research and recent standards, mouthguards significantly reduce dental injuries by over twofold and also show benefit in TMJ protection and concussion reduction, especially in youth sports like ice hockey.<br /><br />Dr. Mills detailed the four types of mouthguards: stock, mouth-formed (boil-and-bite), custom-fitted (vacuum or pressure laminated), and the new category of instrumented mouthguards with embedded sensors. While stock guards offer emergency coverage, they lack fit and comfort. Mouth-formed guards dominate the market due to accessibility but often compromise speech and comfort. Custom-fitted mouthguards, considered the gold standard, provide superior fit, comfort, and protection, though at higher cost.<br /><br />He discussed fabrication techniques, including emerging digital workflows involving intraoral scanners and 3D printing, and practical considerations such as accommodating evolving pediatric dentition and orthodontics. Dr. Mills also reviewed the challenges of mandating mouthguard use across sports, noting past legislative efforts and the importance of education before enforcement.<br /><br />Key advice includes individualized mouthguard selection based on sport, dental anatomy, and patient needs; proper cleaning and storage; and cost-effective options like team-based impression kits. Dr. Mills encouraged pediatric dentists to actively advocate for mouthguard use and to stay informed on innovations to better protect young athletes.

Keywords

pediatric dentistry

mouthguards

sports dentistry

orofacial injuries

temporomandibular joint (TMJ) protection

concussion reduction

types of mouthguards

custom-fitted mouthguards

digital fabrication

3D printing

youth sports safety

mouthguard legislation