mouth guards should be used by anyone -- both children and adults -- who play contact sports such as football boxing soccer ice hockey basketball lacrosse and field hockey. however even those participating in noncontact sports (for example gymnastics) and any recreational activity (for example skateboarding mountain biking) that might pose a risk of injury to the mouth would benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard. adults and children who grind their teeth at night should have a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint made to prevent tooth damage.
who needs a mouth guard?