More than 200,000 oral injuries are prevented annually in this country by sports mouth guards. While this is an impressive figure, it is estimated by the National Youth Spots Foundation than more than 5 million teeth will be knocked out in sporting activities this year. Each year thousand of preventable oral injuries and even permanent disfigurement occur because mouth guards are not worn. As well as protecting teeth, lips. cheeks and tongue, mouth guards prevent injuries to the head and neck by cushioning blows that otherwise might cause jaw fractures or concussions to athletes of both sexes. The total cost for the treatment of a knocked-out tooth are 20 times more than the cost of a custom made mouth guard.
There are different mouth guards available which differ in comfort, fit and cost. The boil and bite type do not fit accurately as custom fabricated types so that often are uncomfortable and frequently interfere with the athletes breathing and speaking ability . A custom fit ensures protection.
I - Stock or
Store Bought
II - Store Bought -
Boil and Bite
III - Vacuum Fabricated
Custom Made
IV - Heat/Pressure
Laminated Custom Made
As important as the type of mouth guard used is the fact that they should be worn during practices as well as during games. And that injuries in sports are not limited to men, women should also wear mouth protectors. Wrestling, handball, soccer, gymnastics, boxing, hockey, volleyball, basketball, football are some of the sports that can seriously harm the face, head and tongue as a result of head-to-head contact, falls, tooth clenching or flying pieces of equipment.
An athlete with injuries cannot play, so stay in the game - Be sure to wear mouth guards!
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