THE TEAM AT SHAKESPEARE ORTHODONTICS ARE OFFERING SOMERVILLE PLAYERS
These bi-laminate and tri-laminate (2-3 layers) are professional and high quality mouthguards that normally retail for $280-$340.
Shakespeare has offered to cover the cost of the lab fee meaning the significantly reduced cost to our players is just $150!
A MESSAGE FROM SPECIALIST ORTHODONTISTS
Dr Mo Al-Dujaili & Dr Azza Al-Ani from Shakespeare Orthodontics, Epsom.
Hockey is a fantastic sport, fast-paced, skillful, and a wonderful way for people of all ages to stay active and be part of a team. Like any contact sport, there are risks, and to a couple of orthodontists, teeth are everything! Dental injury is a situation no parent, coach, or player ever wants to face, and in many cases, it's entirely preventable.
We wanted to share some important information with the Somerville Hockey whānau about how to protect your teeth on the field, and what to do in those critical moments if the worst does happen.
As specialist orthodontists, we see the consequences of dental trauma regularly. Sadly this can have dramatic and awful life long consequences for people’s smiles.
The single most effective thing any hockey player can do, at any age or level, is wear a properly fitted mouthguard. A well-made mouthguard absorbs and distributes the force of an impact, significantly reducing the risk of broken, displaced, or knocked-out teeth. It also protects the jaw, lips, cheeks, and tongue.
Here's what you need to know:
Custom-fitted mouthguards made by a dental professional offer the best protection and comfort. They fit snugly, stay in place, and are less likely to interfere with breathing or communication.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards from sports stores are a reasonable second option if cost is a barrier, but they offer less protection than a custom-made device.
Off the shelf mouthguards often carry claims of superiority but are less preferred by professionals due to their lack of well adapted fit.
OUR STRONG RECOMMENDATION
Every player at Somerville, from the youngest junior to the most seasoned senior, should be wearing a mouthguard every time they step onto the turf.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
What to do if a tooth is knocked out
If a permanent tooth is knocked out (avulsed), acting quickly and calmly can make the difference between saving and losing that tooth. Time is critical — ideally, the tooth needs to be replanted within 30 to 60 minutes.
Follow these steps immediately if an adult tooth is knocked out:
Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part you can see in the mouth). Do not touch the root.
If it's dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline — DO NOT scrub it, and DO NOT use tap water if you can avoid it.
Gently reinsert the tooth into the socket if possible and have the player bite gently on a clean towel to hold it in place.
If reinsertion isn't possible, store the tooth in milk, saline, or inside the player's cheek (if they are old enough to do so safely without the risk of swallowing the tooth). Do not let it dry out.
Get to a dentist or emergency dental clinic immediately. Every minute counts!
Ensure the emergency dentist lodges the appropriate ACC documentation as there can be long-term consequences from dental trauma.
It is also worth noting that baby (primary) teeth should not be reinserted, as doing so can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. However, you should still seek dental advice promptly.
Orthodontic Follow-Up
Dental trauma can have longer-term effects on tooth development, alignment, and the surrounding bone — effects that may not be immediately visible. If your child has suffered any kind of knock to the mouth, we strongly encourage a follow-up with both their dentist and an orthodontist, even if the injury seems minor at the time.
At Shakespeare Orthodontics, we are passionate about keeping smiles healthy, both on and off the field. If you have any questions about mouthguards, dental trauma, or orthodontic care, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We are here for your smile, whatever the sport.