The majority of injuries in contact sports are made to the head or mouth, and injuries to the teeth can be especially painful and require considerable damage repair. Using a mouth guard and proper headgear can prevent such injuries.
Mouth guards prevent injuries to the teeth, jaw, lips, cheeks, tongue and can even prevent a concussion. Custom made mouth guards, which are specifically molded to the shape of the mouth and teeth, provide a superior fit and are the ultimate in mouth protection.
A good mouth guard will fit well and stay in place during any sports activity. It should be comfortable, sturdy and not interfere with talking or breathing. Caring for a mouthguard is a simple matter - after each use it only needs to be rinsed in cold water, and then frequently cleaned with every day soap and water. It is best kept in clean water in a portable container to preserve its life, and needs to be replaced at the beginning of each season.
Whether it is street hockey, ringette, soccer or little league baseball, mouthguards should be worn during all sporting activities along with protective headgear to further minimize the chance of injury.