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 Why
do I need a mouth protector?
Anyone who participates in a sport that carries a significant
risk of injury should wear a mouth protector. This includes
a wide range of sports like football, hockey, basketball,
baseball, gymnastics, and volleyball.
Mouth protectors, which typically cover the upper teeth, can
cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken
teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. If you
wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower
jaw, you may require a mouth protector for these teeth as
well.
What are the advantages of using a mouth protector?
Accidents can happen during any physical activity. A mouth
protector can help cushion a blow to the face that otherwise
might result in an injury to the mouth. A misdirected elbow
in a one-on-one basketball game or a spill off a bicycle can
leave you with chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage to a
tooth or even tooth loss. A mouth protector can limit the
risk of such injuries as well as protect the soft tissues
of your tongue, lips and cheek lining.
A properly fitted mouth protector will stay in place while
you are wearing it, making it easy for you to talk and breathe.
I wear braces. Can I use a mouth protector?
A properly fitted mouth protector may be especially important
for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. A blow
to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic
appliances. A mouth protector also provides a barrier between
the braces and your cheek or lips, limiting the risk of soft
tissue injuries.
Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about selecting a mouth
protector that will provide the best protection. Although
mouth protectors typically only cover the upper teeth, your
dentist or orthodontist may suggest that you use a mouth protector
on the lower teeth if you have braces on these teeth too.
If you have a retainer or other removable appliance, do not
wear it during any contact sports.
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