Helmets, gloves and goggles are synonymous with winter sports — but what about mouthguards? Do you or your child need to wear a mouthguard for your artic athletic activity? Here are all of the winter sports that need mouthguards:

 

Hockey has a stereotype for missing teeth, and while the NHL does not require players to wear them, school sports and recreational hockey leagues require players to wear mouthguards. Close contact and flying pucks are all dangerous to your pearly whites. Wearing a mouthguard protects the teeth, gums and tongue.

 

Flying down the slopes with the risk of running into someone, hitting the hard-packed snow or crashing into a tree are all risky for your teeth. Wearing a mouthguard while you ski or snowboard can help prevent damage in the event that you incur facial injury.

 

These winter sports are sans snow, but pose all the risks for a facial injury. Close contact with opponents can result in knocking out a tooth (a flying elbow is a definite possibility). Wear a mouthguard to reduce your risk.

 

Winter sports that need mouthguards don’t all involve snow or ice. Whether you want to protect your child’s mouth or your own, it is always best to wear a mouthguard for any sport (competitive or not) that poses a risk for facial injury.