Preseason Dental Screenings Are Game-Changers for Athlete Health
Preventive dental screenings, though often overlooked, are becoming essential in sports, as demonstrated by the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry’s efforts with University of Texas, San Antonio football and the San Antonio Spurs. These screenings not only ensure athletes have custom-fitted mouthguards but also detect serious dental issues early, potentially preventing major health crises during the season.
Dental health often takes a back seat in sports, but the case of a high school football player’s giant-cell granuloma highlights the critical importance of preseason dental screenings. Scott Stafford, DDS, MBA, first spotted the tumor during a routine checkup, saving the young athlete from potentially losing his entire upper jaw. This alarming situation underscores the need for preventive dental care, especially in athletic programs where such screenings are not standard practice.
The UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry is bridging this gap by providing preseason dental exams and custom mouthguard fittings for University of Texas, San Antonio (UTSA) football players and the San Antonio Spurs. These screenings, conducted with the latest digital scanning and 3D printing technologies, do more than just prevent dental injuries during games—they identify serious conditions such as infections or impacted wisdom teeth that could sideline athletes if left untreated.
Dentistry is often overlooked until an accident happens, but prevention is key to maintaining athlete health. With organizations like the International Olympic Committee now recognizing the importance of dental health, the momentum for these screenings is growing. In addition to improving player safety, these initiatives also offer valuable training opportunities for dental students, preparing them to handle complex cases and innovate in patient care.
As sports teams increasingly incorporate dental screenings into their preseason routines, athletes are better protected, and the risks of dental emergencies during critical game times are significantly reduced. Click here to read more.
