Childrens Teeth » Mouthguards

Properly diagnosed, designed, and custom fabricated mouthguards are essential in the prevention of athletic oral/facial injuries.

In some sports properly fitted mouthguards are considered essential. These are the contact sports of football, boxing, martial arts and hockey. Other sports, traditionally classified as non contact sports, basketball, baseball, bicycle riding, roller blading, soccer, racquetball, surfing and skateboarding also require properly fitted mouthguards, as dental injuries unfortunately, are a negative aspect of participation in these sports too.

In a 1995 study, it was found there was a high incidence of injuries in sports other than football, in both male and female sporting activities.  In football, where mouthguards are worn, .07% of injuries were related to the mouth and teeth.  In basketball, where mouthguards are not routinely worn, 34% of the injuries were related to the mouth and teeth.  The various injuries ranged from simple bruises and lacerations, knocked out teeth, concussions, and broken jaws.

Dental injuries are the most common type of oral facial injuries sustained during participation in sports. In the United States more that 5 million teeth are knocked out each year.  The American Dental Association estimates that mouthguards prevent over 200,000 injuries each year in high school and collegiate football alone

Criteria of a Good Mouthguard

Different Types of Mouthguards Available