Everyone knows you’re safer wearing a helmet (than not wearing a helmet) while riding a bike. You wouldn’t think of going boating without a lifejacket onboard. Would you play hockey without a facemask, or forgo wearing kneepads while roller blading? No, you probably wouldn't!
Essential safety equipment, like helmets and lifejackets, significantly reduces injury. So why don’t people think about wearing mouth guards? Mouth guards soften blows that might otherwise cause damage to your lips, face, jaw, tongue, teeth, or gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) credits mouth guards, along with facemasks, for preventing about 200,000 injuries annually to high school and college football players.
Not Just for Athletes
The ADA states that every person should wear a mouth guard while participating in any recreational or competitive sport. That includes: gymnastics, pick-up basketball games, skateboarding, or scooter riding. Any time there’s a risk of a fall or collision, a mouth guard should be included as an essential piece of safety equipment.
What to Look For
Look for proper fit (you don’t want it to restrict your speech or breathing), resilience (make sure it’s tear resistant), and comfort.
For the best comfort, fit, and protection, you’ll want to visit your dentist for a custom-made mouth guard. Another option is the mouth-formed mouth guard. Three options are available: acrylic shell-liner, thermoplastic – also called “boil and bite” (refer to manufacturers’ instructions), and the ready-made type. You can buy stock mouth guards from most sports stores. They’re cheaper than the others, although you can’t always get as good a fit.
Summary
When you head out the door for a game of racket ball, or you send your child out the door to burn off some excess energy, make sure you all use the appropriate safety equipment: helmets, padding, and mouth guards. |
