As a parent, would you let your child ride a bike or play football or hockey without a helmet? No, you would probably do everything in your power to keep your child safe from potential injury. The month of April is National Facial Protection Month, and Livonia, MI dentist Dr. James Stewart wants to discuss why an athletic mouth guard should be a part of every athlete’s uniform.
Why do I need an Athletic Mouth guard?
Mouth guards are worn inside of the mouth to protect the teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral structures from injury during physical activity. Most people believe that only athletes of contact sports need to wear a mouth guard, but athletes of all kinds are at risk for damaging their smiles. In fact, up to forty percent of sports injuries directly affect the face.
In an effort to be safe rather than sorry, the American Dental Association, the Academy of Sports Dentistry, and Dr. Stewart recommend mouth guards for athletes who participate in the following sports:
- Acrobatics
- Bandi
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Bicycling
- Boxing
- Equestrian Events (more…)