WHY PROTECT YOUR TEETH?

Imagine not letting your child play football without a helmet and protective padding. Yet, you might be surprised to learn that kids playing basketball are 15 times more likely to sustain mouth or facial injuries compared to football players. One key reason is the mandatory use of mouthguards in football: More American kids wear mouth protection for football than any other sport, leading to a significant drop in injuries.

Currently, mouthguards are only required in four school-based sports: football, ice hockey, lacrosse, and field hockey. However, basketball and baseball are responsible for the highest number of dental injuries. The American Dental Association (ADA) also recommends mouthguards for sports like bicycling, soccer, skateboarding, wrestling, and volleyball. Do mouthguards work? According to the ADA, athletes who don't wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries than those who do.

Playing sports is fun and healthy, but it also comes with risks. Dental injuries are common in many sports, but they are preventable.

Wearing a mouthguard:

- Protects your teeth from impact.

- Reduces the risk of jaw injuries.

- Prevents cuts and bruises inside the mouth.

Did you know?

- Athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries without a mouth guard.

- A properly fitted mouth guard can significantly reduce the risk of injury.

Experts agree: "Mouth guards are essential for preventing dental injuries in contact sports. They should be a standard part of every athlete's gear."