Test your knowledge: How Much Do You Know about Mouthguards?

We have learned that an important part of oral health is education — but more importantly, making it fun to learn so that you retain (and apply) what you learn! For this reason, we have put together the following self-test so that you can quickly access your knowledge on the subject of mouthguards.

1. The first sport to use (and require) protective mouthguards was:
1. football
2. boxing
3. baseball
4. ice hockey
2. Research conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA) found that individuals are ___ times more likely to damage their teeth when not wearing a mouthguard while engaged in contact sports or rigorous physical exercise.
1. 10
2. 20
3. 40
4. 60
3. As a rule of thumb, females do not require mouthguards because they are not as physically active as their male counterparts.
1. True
2. False
4. The American Academy of General Dentistry (AAGD) reports that mouthguards prevent more than ______ injuries to the mouth and/or teeth each year.
1. 200,000
2. 300,000
3. 400,000
4. 500,000
5. Which of the following sports or activities does the ADA recommend that participants wear protective mouthguards:
1. acrobatics
2. bicycling
3. handball
4. all of the above
6. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that more than ______ sports-related injuries end-up in the emergency room each year with injury or damage to the teeth and mouth.
1. 275,000
2. 425,000
3. 600,000
4. 735,000
7. In addition to the trauma of having a tooth (or teeth) knocked out, individuals who have suffered from this type of injury may end up spending ______ per tooth over a lifetime for teeth that are not properly preserved and replanted according to the National Youth Sports Foundation for Safety.
1. $10,000 to $20,000
2. $15,000 to $25,000
3. $25,000 to $35,000
4. Less than $10,000

Answers: 1) b, 2) d, 3) b, 4) a, 5) d, 6) c, 7) b, 8) a

You can learn more about the importance of mouthguards when you continue reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Athletic Mouthguards.” And if you have already experienced a dental injury, it may not be too late. However, we need to evaluate the damage so that we can establish a plan for restoring optimal oral health. Contact us today to learn more about protecting your mouth and teeth or to schedule an appointment.