Prevention of trauma to teeth.

The prevention of disfigurement from loss of or damage to a permanent incisor must be the aim in any caring society. The authors review the options for prevention of trauma, and conclude that the dentist can be of most practical assistance in two ways: by early reduction of pronounced overjets where appropriate, and especially by provision of well-fitting mouthguards for use in sports. The article continues with a critical appraisal of commercial forms of mouthguard, and gives a step-by-step guide to constructing a custom-made mouthguard.