For what sports should my child wear a mouthguard?

Sports and recreational activities provide an opportunity for injury. Mouth protectors, also called mouthguards, are an important piece of protective face gear. You've probably seen mouth protectors used in contact sports, such as hockey, football or boxing. Coaches and team members know that mouth protectors cushion blows that would otherwise cause broken teeth, injuries to the lips and face and sometimes even jaw fractures.

Non-contact sports such as soccer, volleyball and gymnastics and leisure activities such as bicycling, roller skating and skateboarding also place a child at risk for dental injuries. If your child takes part in these activities, ask your dentist to recommend a mouth protector.