Dr von Ludwig on the link between concussions and mouthguards
In his monthly column, Dr Wilhelm von Ludwig talks about the importance of younger children wearing mouthguards when playing sports to minimise long-term consequences of concussions.
POLOKWANE – I pride myself on being an evidence-based doctor, meaning that my patient management decisions are rooted in well-conducted studies. Yet, I’ve noticed that, like anyone, I’m not immune to biases.
Habits, patient expectations, and personal convictions can sometimes nudge me away from what the scientific journals dictate. Plus, let’s face it, science isn’t infallible, and it’s not uncommon for newer, more robust studies to challenge what we thought was gospel.
A recent eye-opener for me was a study on concussions in ice hockey players.
For the longest time, we believed that personal protective gear, like helmets, had little to no impact in preventing concussions. This is because concussions are typically caused by the brain jostling inside the skull due to sudden movements, which can happen even from a solid chest hit.
But then, this study dropped a bombshell: a simple mouthguard reduced concussions in ice hockey players by a whopping 28%. That’s right, a little mouthguard made a big difference in safeguarding these athletes.
Mouthguards are a common sight in many sports, but they tend to be more prevalent among high school-age and older athletes.
Younger players often get left out because mouthguards are seen as unwieldy and are often associated more with protecting teeth than anything else. We often forget that younger kids have baby teeth, and the mouthguard is unfairly dismissed as disposable until their “grown-up” teeth arrive.
However, younger children are more susceptible to the long-term consequences of concussions due to ongoing brain development.
So, they’re the ones who actually need protection the most. It’s worth noting that a well-fitted, custom-made mouthguard might cost a bit more, but considering the benefits, it’s a worthwhile investment.
In the world of concussion policy and guidelines, South Africa is leading the way.
The study on ice hockey players has now found a place in the latest guidelines, right alongside other crucial preventive measures like policy changes and recognizing symptoms early. This has transformed the mouthguard from a mere teeth protector into a guardian of young brains.
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