New Mouthguards Gather Data on Concussions in Athletes - International Business Times

This season Stanford University football players are adding a new piece of equipment to their gear. Seattle-based firm X2Impact has developed a line of mouthguards and headbands for contact-sport athletes designed to aid in gathering data about concussions and other brain-related sports injuries.

The mouthpieces, which also function as normal mouthguards, are also outfitted with gyroscopes and accelerometers that gauge the force with which athletes are being hit from inside the head, allowing for greater accuracy in measuring the impact.

Brain-related injuries have drawn much attention in recent years, especially in the context of youth and student sports. Because young athletes are likely to underreport their injuries and often do not show visible signs of impairment from an initial impact, an alarming number of brain injuries are going unnoticed.

In a recent study of high school football players conducted by researchers at Purdue University, researchers found that players in the study received 200-1,800 hits to the head in a single season, with helmet-sensor data indicating that impact forces to the head ranged from 20 Gs to up to 300Gs. To put that particular figure into perspective, a soccer player 'heading' a ball usually experiences a force of about 20 to 50Gs; a boxer being punched in the head experiences approximately 100 Gs.

More disturbing than the hits themselves, however, was the discovery researchers made while comparing concussed and non-concussed athletes in a series of basic memory tests. When testing uninjured players in order to establish a control group, researchers found that several of the non-concussed players also exhibited signs of impaired brain function. According to Sports Illustrated writer David Epstein, who reported on the story in April, the study found that the number of hits a player had taken over the previous week - even if he did not receive a concussion - was the most reliable predictor of brain impairment. "This is particularly scary, because it means that the vast majority of brain damage in football players might be occurring in the absence of any easily recognizable symptoms or of a particularly bell-clanging hit," writes Epstein.

In the absence of symptoms, researchers and those in the sports community are seeking to gather as much information as possible on impact-related injuries as possible while also caring for their athletes. X2Impact is working with Bite Tech, Inc. on a commercial version of the mouthguard, which is expected to be available in 2012. In addition to gathering information, the mouthguards will transmit data about each hit to authorized mobile devices on the sidelines, such as those of athletic trainers, coaches, parents and team physicians. The devices are programmed to alert sideline medical staff both in instances of a single high-impact hit and a series of smaller hits. It is hoped that as researchers gain more information on the nature of the impacts themselves and their effects on athletes, sports medicine will better understand the biomechanics involved in impact-related injuries and better help treat and prevent those injuries in real time, as and before they occur.

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What Exactly Are Teeth Anyway?

With a few exceptions, teeth don’t heal by themselves. Every cartoon with an elderly character will show them taking out their false teeth. For many Americans, teeth simply don’t stand the test of time. They contain one of the few tissues in the body that is finite. Most people have heard of enamel from toothpaste ads, but that tissue is only 1 of the 4 that comprise a tooth. Enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp are the four major tissues that round out a mouth full of pearly whites. Most of the previous blog entries talk about a specific dental disorder or problem and offer remedies to it. This one will be a bit of primer, a basic introduction to what teeth are, and what can go wrong for each part.

Dental pulp is soft tissue in the center of the tooth; it contains the nerve, blood and lymphatic vessels, and connective tissue. The pulp forms the main bulk, or core, of each tooth and extends almost the entire length of the tooth. It is covered by enamel on the crown portion and by cementum on the roots. The pulp consists of cells, tiny blood vessels, and a nerve and occupies a cavity located in the center of the tooth. If the pulp becomes infected, it is removed by root canal.

Cementum is the thin surface layer of bone like material covering the tooth’s root. It is yellowish and softer than either dentin orenamel. The fibers of the periodontal membrane, which holds the tooth in lace, are embedded in cementum. Deposition of cementum continues throughout life, especially in response to stresses. When the tooth’s crown is gradually worn down, new cementum is deposited on the roots so that the tooth can slowly rise to maintain a good bite.

Elephant tusks (Ivory) are solid dentin. Ivory was the preferred material for billiard balls, as dentin has an elastic quality

Dentin is the yellowish tissue that makes up the bulk of all teeth. It is harder than bone but softer than enamel and consists mainly of apatite crystals of calcium and phosphate. Sensitivity to pain, pressure, and temperature is transmitted via the tubes to and from the nerve in the pulp. Secondary dentine, is a less well-organized form of tubular dentine, is produced throughout life as a patching material where cavities have begun, where the overlying enamel has been worn away, and within the pulp chamber as part of the aging process.

Veneers are often the only solution to severely worn enamel.

Enamel is the hardest tissue in the body. It covers part of or the entire crown of the tooth. Enamel is not living and contains no nerves. The thickness and density of enamel vary over the surface of the tooth; it is hardest at the biting edges, or cusps. Normal enamel may vary in color from yellow to gray. The surface enamel is harder and contains more fluoride than the underlying enamel. It is very resistant to tooth decay. Enamel is also finite. Worn enamel is a symptom of most dental problems: erosion, attrition, abrasion, and the first part of the tooth to decay from cavities. A loss of enamel over time can lead to transparent and fragile teeth. Sensitive teeth can be relieved with desensitizing toothpastes, which often contain ingredients such as potassium nitrate, potassium chloride or potassium citrate seem to make the tooth less receptive to pain. In the case of severely worn enamel, veneers are often the only option.

This concludes the reading for dental anatomy 101. I hope that it provides a greater understanding to the past and future blog entries. And if you didn’t much care for the anatomy of your chompers, there is good news. With good dental hygiene, the dentist won’t have to bother you with any of these terms and explanations; you can just take a free toothbrush and be on your way.

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Long in the Tooth

Aside from the usual worries like gum disease and cavities, there is a whole other realm of dental problems that most people may be unaware of. Teeth are finite, they will not last forever if they are not carefully preserved and protected. There are three major ways that teeth can wear away: attrition, abrasion, and erosion. With the proper knowledge and dental advice, tooth wear away won’t be a problem until you’re long in the tooth.

Attrition – Wear away of tooth surface by chewing, one of its primary causes is Bruxism.

Abrasion – When brushing too vigorously wears away the tooth surface. (Usually evident where the gum and tooth meet)

Erosion – When acid wears away the tooth’s structure.

Attrition is a disorder usually brought on by stress, it also known as Bruxism. A mouth guard for nighttime use is usually recommended to prevent further deterioration. Severe attrition may only be able to treat with extensive too replacement, through either caps or crowns.

Abrasion is another one. This disorder is usually seen where the tooth meets the gum in a wedge or a v shaped mark. A hard bristle tooth brush is one of the biggest contributing factors to abrasion victims, although a hard brushing with a soft bristled brush can be just as harmful. Tooth abrasion can be repaired by bonding a tooth colored filling to the damaged area. The recommended way to brush your teeth is to place the brush at a 45 degree angle toward the junction of the gum and tooth and move the brush in a gentle circular motion. To make sure you’ve brushed properly try discoloring tablets, bright pink tablets that are chewed before brushing. Any place that hasn’t been brushed properly will be slightly tinged pink.

Tooth erosion is caused by acid. Teeth and acid do not mix. Acid is the bacterial by-product that causes cavities. Food and drink that are highly acidic can cause the enamel and the dentine to break down. The acid dissolves the calcium in the tooth. All soft drinks are acidic, including any carbonated: soda, diet soda, sports drinks, diet sports drinks, and sparkling mineral water. Soft drinks are a major cause of tooth erosion and the degree of erosion directly correlates to the amount and frequency of soft drink consumption. Other acidic foods include: citrus fruits, fruit juices, pickles, vinegar, and yogurt. Stomach acid is very powerful, strong enough to dissolve any food along with whatever tooth and bone fragments that might accidentally be ingested. When stomach contents are regurgitated acid comes into contact with the teeth. Any condition that causes repetitive vomiting will result in tooth erosion. The dentist is often the first one to the notice the problem because the back of the tooth is more susceptible to erosion. When a tooth is sufficiently eroded, the enamel will give way and expose the dentine, which can result in pain and increased sensitivity to: sweet, hot, and cold food or drinks. Erosion is a serious problem. If the nerves or blood vessels have been affected, those teeth will require a root canal and a replacement crown. To prevent tooth erosion, it is important to limit your exposure to acidic food and drink. It is also shown that chewing sugar-free gum can dilute acidity by increasing saliva flow.

Ask the dentist about tooth wear away. An early diagnosis and treatment regimen can be the difference between a $10 mouth guard, and a Cadillac’s worth of oral surgery.

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Concussions Causing Sports Culture Shock?

During the past few months, there has been a major media storm of concussion reports on the newly found dangers of concussion in contact sports, from the high-profile sports of football and hockey, to lacrosse, soccer, wrestling, MMA, basketball and even skiing. Unfortunately, both the fan and player culture in many of these sports, especially football and hockey, have historically been promoted through dramatic hits and gladiator style moments making them slow to change. Some say, even challenging the sports’ culture.

As the sports’ community experience concussion culture shock, many experts are seeking a magic bullet for the best concussion solution:

The House of Representatives recently voted to set federal guidelines to manage the serious issue of concussion amongst student-athletes. Medical experts are accelerating research, offering new evidence and statistics. Athletes are finally talking about their concussion experiences as a true injury, sharing what it feels like both physically as well as emotionally, including depression. Organizations such as the NFL and USA Football are enforcing new safety rules and sizeable penalties.

However the science is far from conclusive. Despite the progress outlined, there is still much to be done to solve the concussion crisis. Although a far cry from a death march for contact sports, all these “magic bullets” may mark a shift in how sports were once played and the start of a new awareness for keeping athletes “brain-healthy”. This of course should be viewed as good news and in several years, we may look back at 2010 as a critical juncture and positive turning point.

For all that are passionate about sports, whether you’re a parent of an athlete or an athlete yourself, take to heart what we now know about concussions:

1.  An athlete should not be participating if he or she is still experiencing symptoms from a concussion. If you suspect one, have it checked out by a physician. Be as aware of concussion symptoms just as you would any possible serious illness. Consider baseline cognitive concussion testing.

2.  Talk freely about concussions, and help promote a new culture of keeping the brain healthy for life. It’s no longer cool to stay in the game and tough it out; rather, when in doubt, sit it out.

3.  Be your own consumer advocate, and be wary of any equipment manufacturer that promises concussion claims without sufficient evidence.

Stay involved in the concussion conversation, there’s still more to learn. What would be more shocking would be to do nothing at all.

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What’s Your Concussion IQ?

It can happen during a game or practice, and can occur in any sport even if you haven’t been knocked out and even if you’ve just been “dinged”. A concussion is a type of brain injury, usually caused by a bump, or blow to the head and ultimately it can change the way your brain works.

Emergency department visits for concussion are statistically on the rise (by more than 200 percent during the past 10 years), but that doesn’t mean concussion incidence is growing. Experts agree, it simply means people are more aware of the symptoms and seriousness of concussions and they’re reporting it more often. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 3.8 million sports and recreation related concussions occur in the United States each year. Symptoms can include: headache, nausea, vomiting, balance problems, double and blurry vision, sensitivity to light/noise and confusion. Sometimes having a concussion has been described as “just not feeling right”.

What should you do if you think you have a concussion?

Never ignore a bump or a blow to your head – Tell your coach and parents.

See your doctor or health care provider to be sure you are OK to return to play.

If it is a concussion, your brain needs time to recover – rest and let your brain heal.

Remember. . . when in doubt, sit it out!

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Retention of Mouthguards Reduces Injury, Increases Compliance

Higher quality mouthguards,  made of triple-layer technology and impact-absorbing material, offer numerous advantages over lower-quality products, but if an athlete’s mouthguard doesn’t stay in his or her mouth… it doesn’t matter.

The key to keeping an athlete safe is mouthguard retention. As long as mouthguards stay in mouths, facial and head injury rates go down. It’s a fact.

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), which publishes the playing rules for 16 boys and girls sports at the high school level:

“Properly fitted mouthguard use has been shown to reduce the oral-facial injury rate significantly in sports where it has been mandated. For example, prior to the use of properly fitted mouthguards and facemasks, over 50% of football players’ injuries were oral-facial. They now represent less than 1% of injuries.”

The NFHS currently mandates the use of mouthguards in football, field hockey, hockey, lacrosse and wrestling. Athletes who wear mouthguards that easily fall out are not only increasing their risk of injury, but also breaking rules by not complying with national and state mouthguard mandates.

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Parents: 3.5 Million Kids are Treated for Sports Injuries Annually – Help Your Kids Stay Protected

With summer well underway, many parents are regularly setting up lawn chairs or sitting in bleachers to root for their child’s big hit, catch or goal.

Unfortunately along with the fun and health benefits of youth sports, injuries can occur. According to Safe Kids USA, a network of organizations working to prevent unintentional childhood injury, 3.5 million children, age 14 years and younger, receive medical treatment for sports injuries each year. And high school-aged athletes account for approximately 2 million injuries, 500,000 doctor visits and 30,000 hospitalizations annually, according to a 2006 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Injuries happen for a number of reasons, but the ones that are preventable are the most maddening. Many young athletes go into practices and games without the appropriate protection. Properly fitting, high quality pads, helmets, mouthguards and other protective gear are critical for preventing injury as well as aiding performance.

Don’t let a preventable injury keep your youth athlete out of the game. Take action now and make sure your son or daughter doesn’t practice or play with worn-out pads, a wobbly helmet or a chewed up mouthguard.

Photo of injured football player from MomsTeam.com. Click on the photo above to learn more about high school sports injuries on MomsTeam.com.

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