When it comes to sports, many studies show that mouthguards are effective in reducing the risk of orofacial injuries, such as broken or lost teeth and even concussions. Unfortunately, while mouthguards are recommended for many sports, they are still not mandated for most, leaving many children and adults unprotected. When it comes to mouthguard use, athletes should consider their risk of facial injury and choose to wear a mouthguard accordingly.
Mouthguard Recommendations for Many Sports
When it comes to mouthguard wear, the American Dental Association has taken an active stance in endorsing the use of mouthguards in sports as well as recreational activities. While promoted for contact sports, the association recognizes that mouthguards play a vital role in preventing dental injuries in all sporting activities, including recreational activities.
When it comes to mouthguard use, the American Dental Association advocates the use of custom-fit mouthguards in the following sports and activities:
Contact and Collision Sports
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Football
- Handball
- Hockey (Ice and Field)
- Lacrosse
- Martial Arts
- Rugby
- Water Polo
- Wrestling
Limited Contact Sports and Recreational Activities
- Acrobatics
- Baseball
- Bicycling
- Equestrian Events
- Field Events
- Gymnastics
- In-Line Skating
- Racquetball
- Shot-Putting
- Skateboarding
- Skiing
- Skydiving
- Softball
- Squash
- Surfing
- Volleyball
- Weightlifting
- Extreme Sports
Which Sports Have Mouthguard Mandates?
While the American Dental Association recommends the use of mouthguards for many sports, they are only mandated for a handful. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) mandates mouthguards for football, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, and wrestling (only for wrestlers wearing braces).
If you play a contact sport, chances are you need or should be wearing an athletic mouthguard. Visit SportingSmiles today to learn more about our high-quality custom-fit mouthguards.
Some states have tried to initiate other mandatory requirements, but with little success. In 1999, the state of Maine mandated mouthguards in all school-based soccer activities. Michigan and Utah mandate mouthguards in basketball. Minnesota tried to mandate mouthguards in 1993 for use in wrestling, soccer, and basketball but later rescinded the mandates.
While not mandated on a national level, sports organizations and teams can make their own mandate for the use of mouthguards.
If You Play Sports, Consider a Mouthguard
If you or your child play a sport or participate in recreational activities, the use of a mouthguard should be considered. Using a mouthguard can reduce your risk of mouth-related injuries, including to the teeth, lips, tongue, and soft tissue. Recent studies report that the use of mouthguards can also minimize the severity of a concussion.
If you participate in any sport, consider your risk of facial injury. For example, softball is not a mandated sport for mouthguards. However, if you are the pitcher on a fast-pitch softball team, line drives are common. A line drive to the face could cause extensive dental damage, but your teeth would be protected with a mouthguard. Playing soccer, goalies, and other players may be hit with the ball. We recommend a soccer mouthguard to everyone.
At SportingSmiles, we understand how important a high-quality custom-fit mouthguard is to athletes who want to protect their teeth. We also know how expensive custom-fit mouthguards can be when you go through a dentist. While this cost can be high, it is still much less expensive than the thousands of dollars that dental injuries can cost.
SportingSmiles is here to help. We offer the same high-quality custom-fit athletic mouthguards at a fraction of the price because we can bypass the overhead costs of a dentist.
You use our patented self-impression kit to create your own mold. You return the mold to our dental lab (similar to the same one your dentist sends your mold to) and our dental technicians create your mouthguard and send it directly to you. For more information, visit Athletic Mouthguards today.
