Anyone who participates in a sport that carries a significant risk of injury should wear a mouth protector. This includes a wide range of sports like football, hockey, basketball, baseball, gymnastics, and volleyball.
What are the advantages of using a mouth protector?
Accidents can happen during any physical activity. A mouth protector can help cushion a blow to the face that otherwise might result in an injury to the mouth. A misdirected elbow in a one-on-one basketball game or a spill off a bicycle can leave you with chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage to a tooth or even tooth loss. A mouth protector can limit the risk of such injuries as well as protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining.
A properly fitted mouth protector will stay in place while you are wearing it, making it easy for you to talk and breathe.
Ask your dentist about having a custom mouthguard made specifically for you. This will fit well and offer the best protection for your smile.
Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. For more information on my practice, please visit www.elitesacramentodentist.com
Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
August 3, 2010
Source: http://www.ada.org/2970.aspx?currentTab=1#protector
[...] this week I discussed the advantages of using a mouthguard during any activity that could result in a blow to the face or mouth. A properly fitted mouthguard [...]