Dental injuries are the most common type of facial injury sustained during participation in sports. The majority of these injuries are preventable, according to Laguna Beach dentist Adam Vaghari, who recently took over a practice at 31655 S. Coast Highway, Suite B.
An athlete is 60 times more likely to sustain damage to the teeth when not wearing a protective mouthguard, Vaghari said. The cost to replant a tooth can be $5000, he said.
Properly fabricated custom mouthguards can also reduce the risk of concussion from a blow to the jaw, Vaghari said. Mouthguards stocked in sports stores provide a low level of protection, if any, he said. The American Dental Association recommends the use of custom mouthguards in practices as well as games, Vaghari said.
