Why wear a mouthguard? In the same way, helmets protect against head trauma, mouthguards are the go-to to prevent injuries to the face and mouth.
Made of soft plastic or laminate, mouthguards prevent injuries incurred when you receive contact to the face or mouth. In addition to your teeth, they also protect your mouth, gums, cheeks, and jaw.
Why do athletes wear mouthguards? Athletes of all ages, genders, and skill levels are at risk of sustaining a dental injury. While it can be scary to think about, mouthguards are great at doing their job. One study from Dental Traumatology found that mouthguards helped lower the prevalence of dental trauma among athletes of contact sports.
Many people who could benefit from the protection offered by a guard choose not to use them. While damage to the mouth and face is common in many sports, only 41% of players reported using a mouthguard.
Now, if your child asks, "why do I need a mouthguard?" you'll be ready with answers.