Injuries are an unavoidable part of sports, and ice hockey has more than its fair share of injuries because it is a contact sport that involves sticks, sharp blades and vulcanized rubber flying at high speeds. Mouth guards are protective equipment that, for an investment of about $10, can prevent or minimize hockey injuries.
Regulations
Because mouth guards can help prevent injury, it is becoming more common for leagues to encourage or require players to wear them. Mouth guards have become mandatory in many leagues across North America, especially youth leagues. For example, the Ontario Minor Hockey Association requires its players to wear mouth guards.
Teeth
Mouth guards can help prevent damage to a player's teeth.The American Academy of Dentistry estimates that half of children will suffer a traumatic injury to their teeth by the time they graduate from high school. Playing hockey raises the probability of orofacial injury. Sports leagues that have mandated the use of mouth guards have seen a considerable decrease in the amount of dental injuries.
Jaws
Hockey players also wear mouth guards is to prevent injuries to their jaws. Mouth guards can cushion the jaw against impact.
Concussion
The impact cushion that a mouth guard provides not only prevents injuries to the jaw and teeth, but also can help prevent damage to the brain such as concussions, cerebral hemorrhages and bouts of unconsciousness.
Neck and Face
Mouth guards are also helpful in preventing neck injuries caused by the lower mandible getting jammed into the upper mandible and in preventing injuries to the lips and face.
Buying a Mouth Guard
You can buy a mouth guard at your local sporting goods store, Usually you soften the mouth guard by boiling and then fit it to your mouth. You probably can get a tighter and more comfortable fit if you have your dentist make a mouth guard from an impression of your mouth, although it also probably will cost more.
