As hockey season approaches, attention is not only on the players but also on their oral safety. According to Liran Levin, president of the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT), dental injuries are more common than many realize. “Worldwide, over a billion people have experienced dental trauma,” Levin notes. “In Canada, about 30 percent of hockey players have suffered dental injuries.”
This rising concern led Levin to establish the first-ever Global Dental and Oral Trauma Day. The initiative aims to highlight the importance of preventing and properly managing dental injuries, which often have long-term consequences.
Levin points out that, unlike broken bones that heal with time, dental trauma can lead to a lifetime of care. “A broken bone heals with a cast and some physiotherapy, but when you break a tooth, it can trigger a lifelong need for treatment,” Levin explained. Without proper care, these injuries can result in costly and painful procedures like extractions, bone grafts, and implants.
One of the most effective ways to prevent dental trauma, especially in sports like hockey, is by using a mouthguard. This simple precaution can make a significant difference, potentially saving natural teeth and avoiding more serious, invasive treatments.
To further help with prevention and management, the IADT has launched a free app called ToothSOS. The app offers guidance on how to prevent dental trauma, and in case of injury, provides immediate advice on what to do. Users can input the type of injury and receive instructions on the necessary steps and urgency of care.
By raising awareness through Global Dental and Oral Trauma Day, Levin and the IADT hope to make dental injury prevention a priority—especially in high-risk sports like hockey.
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