Why Mouth Guards are Important

A mouth guard is a soft plastic or laminate device used in sports to prevent oral injuries to the teeth, mouth, cheeks, tongue and jaw. According to the American Dental Association, one third of all dental injuries are sports related. They also estimate that the use of a mouth guard can prevent more than 200,000 oral injuries to the mouth each year.

Any athlete may be at risk for oral injury but mouth guards are mandatory in collision sports such as football, hockey and boxing where the risk of injury is likely.  The most common types of dental injuries without the use of a mouth guard include; chipped or broken teeth, fractured crowns or bridgework, lip and cheek injuries, root damage to the teeth, fractured jaws, and concussions.  In addition, a recent study showed that fifty-six percent of all concussions were suffered when mouth guards were not worn.

A mouth guard is essential for all athletes.  Contact us today to learn more!