Protect your pearly whites: Use a sports mouthguard

Research has shown that the overall risk of orofacial injury is reduced when a sports mouthguard is worn during athletic activity.

If you play sports like hockey, soccer, or football, practise martial arts, or enjoy extreme sports like BMX, skateboarding, skiing or snowboarding, you should invest in one.

Dental hygienists see first-hand the impact of injuries to the teeth, gums and jaws, and so recommend custom-fitted mouthguards as a cost-effective investment in protection. The average cost of a custom-fitted sports mouth guard is very low compared to the $5,000 to $10,000 lifetime cost of treating a lost front tooth. If your sports organization doesn't require mouthguard protection, you should ask why.

Protecting your pearly whites is important, especially if you've invested a lot in orthodontics or other dental treatments. That's why it pays to use a mouthguard when playing sports. Ask your dental hygienist about custom-fitting a sports mouthguard during your next visit. Find more information at www.dentalhygienecanada.ca/mouthguards.