This is a modified version of a fact sheet in my office about the need for sportguards:
Dental injuries are the most common type of orofacial injury sustained during participation in sports, the majority of these injuries are preventable.
More than 5 million teeth are knocked out each year during sports activities.
An athlete is sixty times more likely to sustain damage to the teeth when not wearing a protective mouthguard.
The cost of a fractured tooth is many times greater than the cost of a dentist diagnosed and designed professionally made mouthguard.
Every athlete involved in contact sport has about 10% chance per season of an orofacial injury or a 35-56% chance during an athletic career. A properly fitted mouthguard reduces the chance of sustaining a concussion from a blow to the jaw.
Take care,
Hans.
Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada (in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100