Sports are on the rise, and nearly 40 percent of all dental injuries (more than 5 million teeth) are sports-related, according to the National Youth Sports Foundation for Safety. Mouthguards aren’t often a requirement when playing sports, but, according to the same statistics, athletes who do not wear mouthguards are more than 60 times as likely to damage their teeth and gums.
With school starting up again, families are getting back into the routine of classes and, for some children, extra-curricular activities like athletics. Sports are an excellent way for kids to stay fit, as well as learn valuable lessons about teamwork and discipline.
But sports also carry the possibility of impact and injury. If you have a child, and especially if you’re concerned about their oral health, one way to protect their teeth is through the use of a sports mouth guard. But is this the right choice for your family? Let’s look at some benefits.