What Sports You Should Wear Mouthguards For

Youth sports have surged in popularity across America, with an estimated 20-25 million youngsters engaging in competitive activities. However, this heightened participation also brings an increased risk of injury. Shockingly, over 35% of unintentional injuries among children and adolescents stem from sports competitions or practice sessions. Of these injuries, 10-20% affect the maxillofacial region, as reported by the American Dental Association (ADA). Understanding the importance of sports mouthguards, or sportsguards, is crucial in preventing injuries during various sports activities, so keep reading to learn more.

Sports That Should Require a Sportsguard

Below is a roster of sports endorsed by the ADA for which wearing a custom sportsguard is highly recommended. They advise donning the sportsguard not only during competitions but also in all practice sessions. Sports in which you should be sure to wear mouthguards include:

• Acrobatics
• Basketball
• Boxing
• Handball
• Rugby
• Shot Putting
• Gymnastics
• Ice Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Martial Arts
• Racquetball
• Roller Hockey
• Skateboarding
• Skiing
• Skydiving
• Soccer
• Squash
• Field Hockey
• Football
• Surfing
• Weightlifting
• Wrestling
• Volleyball
• Water Polo

What Types of Dental Injuries Can Occur Without a Sportsguard?

The National Youth Sports Foundation for Safety asserts that athletes are 60 times more prone to tooth damage without a protective mouthguard. Such injuries frequently lead to lasting harm to oral structures, necessitating medical attention. Dental injuries typically fall into three categories:

• Fracture: These injuries can be categorized as broken teeth, root fractures, or chipped teeth.
• Avulsion: For this injury, the entire tooth, including its root, is forcibly removed from its socket.
• Luxation: The tooth remains in the socket but has shifted from its original position.

How Mouthguards Can Prevent Dental Injuries

Sportsguards are highly effective in preventing dental injuries and come in three types: ready-made or stock mouthguards, mouth-formed “boil-and-bite” mouthguards, and custom-made mouthguards crafted by a dentist. The ADA recommends that the most effective sportsguards should be comfortable and resilient while also being easy to clean and not impeding speech or breathing.

A dentist-crafted sportsguard is the optimal choice for protecting your child. These custom guards offer superior fit, higher-quality materials, and increased comfort, ensuring that your athlete is more inclined to wear them consistently, even when you’re not around.

Remember, damaged teeth don’t regenerate. Before your child returns to the field, mat, or court, safeguard their perfect smile while they enjoy competition or practice by ensuring they wear a sportsguard.

About the Practice

Sunrise Dental Center is a premier provider of dental care, offering a comprehensive array of services including mouthguards. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to delivering top-quality dental solutions for optimal oral health. With a focus on excellence and personalized care, Sunrise Dental Center caters to the individual needs of each patient. For more details about mouthguards and our other dental services, you can visit Sunrise Dental Center’s website or reach out to our office at (713) 869-9973.