Never too long in the tooth for dental care in Boxing 

To avoid being down in the mouth,  boxers must take care of their teeth with regular visits to the dentist and wear proper custom-made mouth guards, or they risk being gobsmacked!

This was the message of Dr Arthif Daniel, a British Dental surgeon, who trained at Kings College University in London. Arthif who combines his dentistry with a 20-3 pro boxing career as a welterweight,  gave a dazzling presentation to the 59th Convention of the World Boxing Council in Mexico.  He`s also been appointed to the WBC`s prestigious Medical Committee. Boxers often prefer to sit in his dentist chair, knowing he has a firm grip on both worlds.

Arthif explained that quite a few pro boxers have to come out of training or even cancel bouts, due to acute dental pain. One example was Andres Kotelnik, an opponent of Amir Khan who suffered a tooth infection which led to an abscess. Prevention with regular visits to the dentist every six months and an X ray every two years, is so much better than cure, which can involve complicated treatment.  Having to endure mild of acute pain from a dental condition while competing in the ring, is something no boxer should have to go through or be distracted by.

The dental illnesses which can be the bane of our lives if we don`t take the proper measures include: Caries, acute pulpitis, acute apical abscess and pericoronitis. Gum disease it the highest cause of tooth loss  Maintaining good dental health means avoiding sugary carbonated drinks and sensible care.

Arthif took pains to point out that bite down mouth guards from the local sports shop is definitely not the way to go, or to protect your teeth.  The single or double mouth guard should be custom made to fit your individual mouth by your own dentist.  Teeth don`t grow on trees. To keep them firmly rooted, you must take care of them.  A nice grin is so much more preferable than a yawning gap!