What constitutes a properly fitted mouthguard, who should wear mouthguards, who should provide mouthguards and what are the best types of mouthguards, are all valid questions and deserve carefully researched answers. ASD is actively and financially supporting research aimed at answering these and other questions. At the outset it may benefit you to know that, as a pediatric dentist, my thoughts tend to flow along developmental pathways. This progression toward full maturity is accompanied by increases in size, changes in form and function, as well as increases in complexity. All of which are associated frequently with what has come to be known as growing pains.
Nutrition is also of concern to sports dentistry.
Bulimia is relatively common in some sports and in some athletes. Sports dentists need to be aware of the oral signs of bulimia, and be ready to consult with medical personnel if the need arises. The effect of sports drinks on the teeth is also a concern to the sports dentist. It is my contention that organizations in general, and the ASD in particular, experience similar growing pains as they evolve toward maturity in the quest to fulfill their stated missions. In terms of chronological age, ASD is comparatively young, having been founded as recently as 1983.