To protect the mouth and teeth from serious injury, a mouthguard, usually a flexible piece of plastic that fits into the mouth, should be worn during all recreational and athletic activities--especially activities where there is contact or potential contact with another person, piece of equipment, or the ground. In particular, mouthguards should be worn during the following sports:
Some of these sports require the use of a mouthguard at the amateur level.
Many recreational activities such as skateboarding and bicycling also pose a risk of injuring the mouth and teeth. Exercise caution during these activities.
Injuries to the teeth, mouth, and head may include the following, many of which could be prevented with proper and consistent use of a mouthguard:
There are several types of mouthguards that can be used. The following are two of the most common types:
Consult your child's dentist regarding the best type of mouthguard to use.
Click here to view the
Online Resources of Adolescent Medicine