Dental Practice for Athletic Patients: Principles of Prevention and Symptomatic Therapeutic Solutions

Abstract

20.1 Introduction As for all dental patients, prevention is the key to sustainable oral health in modern dentistry. Effective prophylactic measures reduce the risk of infection, pain, inflammation and oral parafunctions. Such measures include educating and motivat-ing the patient, liaison with other health professionals and minimally invasive pre-ventative initiatives. Athletes are particularly vulnerable to erosion, caries, specific periodontal diseases, occlusal problems and traumatology. The dental practitioner must therefore inform the patient, evaluate their individual weakness and start implementing prophylactic measures as from the first consultation. A source of error would be to overlook the simple aspects of hygiene such as brushing technique or interdental cleaning. Furthermore, the athletic patient must be educated about the dental biofilm (plaque) and understand the importance of personal oral hygiene. The specific example of prevention in sports dentistry is the domain of orofacial traumatology. Germectomies of malpositioned wisdom teeth avoid mandibular frac-tures during impact, and the use of intra-oral protections, commonly known as mouthguards, absorbs shock and shields the oral sphere. If the athlete requires symptomatic treatment of existing oral lesions, preventa-tive measures are still to be conjointly reinforced. The degree of interception depends upon lesion severity, location and activity. Treatment should abide by the concept of minimalist intervention whenever possible. 20.2 Prevention Management Strategies for Athletic Patients Figure 20.1 illustrates a prevention management strategy adapted to athletes. The patient must take responsibility for his own oral health, guided by the dental care team. Information is given on dental hygiene and the prevention of pericoronitis, dental caries, erosion and periodontal disease. With regard to sports-related oral health risk factors, modification rather than elimination is sometimes a more