Injury prevention

Wearing a mouth guard has been proven to help prevent dental injuries, which is why they are required in a number of college and high school sports, including football, lacrosse, field hockey and ice hockey. 

Baseball and basketball are two sports in which dental injuries are common, but few players wear mouth guards.

The American Dental Association and the International Academy of Sports Dentistry recommend using mouth protection for 30 activities. While some athletes claim mouth guards are uncomfortable and affect breathing and communication, there is no conclusive evidence that breathing or adequate oxygen levels are compromised, even during strenuous physical activity.

Treatment

Knocked out (e.g. avulsed) tooth