Helmets, gloves, and goggles are synonymous with winter sports — but what about mouthguards? Do you or your child need to wear a mouthguard for your Arctic athletic activity? Here are all of the winter sports that you should be wearing a mouthguard for:
HOCKEY
Hockey has a stereotype of players missing teeth, and although the NHL does not require players to wear mouthguards, school sports and recreational hockey leagues require players to wear them. Hard contact and flying pucks are all dangerous to your pearly whites. Wearing a mouthguard protects the teeth, gums, and tongue.
SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING
Flying down the slopes comes with the danger of running into someone, hitting spots of hard-packed snow, or crashing into a tree, which are all risky for your teeth. Wearing a mouthguard while you ski or snowboard can help prevent damage in the event that you incur a head or facial injury. And don’t forget the helmet!
BASKETBALL AND WRESTLING
These sports are sans snow but pose all the risks for a facial injury. Close contact with opponents can result in knocking out a tooth (a flying elbow is a definite possibility). Wear a mouthguard to reduce your risk.
Winter sports that need mouthguards don’t all involve snow or ice. Whether you want to protect your child’s mouth or your own, it’s always best to wear a mouthguard for any sport (competitive or not) that poses a risk for facial injury.
Looking for what to do during a dental emergency? Check out this blog:
*Updated December 2020