Do you have a high schooler in hockey, football or wrestling? You may be surprised that these are some of the few sports that require protective equipment in the U.S.
Initially used by professional boxers, the mouthguard has been used as a protective device since the early 1900’s. Since introducing mandatory protective equipment, it has significantly reduced dental and orofacial injuries.
High school sports that require protective equipment in the U.S include field hockey, ice hokey, football, lacrosse and wrestling. Popular sports such as baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball and gymnastics lag far behind in injury protection.
The academy for sports dentistry (ASD) strongly supports and encourages a mandate for use of a properly-fitted mouthguard in all collision and contact sports.