Flashing a Gold Medal Smile…

One highlight of the 2026 Winter Olympics was the Gold Medal Win for the USA Men’s Olympic Hockey team.  Jack Hughes smile after scoring the winning goal in overtime was priceless, but the gaping hole due to taking a stick to the mouth in the 3rd period had me wondering if a mouth guard would have prevented the injury.

Mouth guards in high schools are not mandated for certain sports, an issue that Dr. Auerbach, official oral surgeon for the New Jersey Devils, would like to see change According to Dr. Jason M Auerbach, his office sees high school athletes with injuries from hockey, basketball, soccer and a various other sports.

Key Points to consider for Active Teens regarding Mouthguards

Importance:

·         Prevention of dental injuries including chipped, broken and tooth loss, soft tissue injuries to lips and gums, reduction to jaw fractures and concussions.
·         Recommended for contact and non-contact sports-Football, Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Rugby, Field Hockey, Basketball, Skateboarding, Mountain Biking, Martial Arts and Gymnastics.

Types of Mouth Guards:

·         Stock: Pre-formed option that is least expensive, least protective/comfortable.
·         Boil and Bite: Heat softened, then molded to athlete’s teeth. Cost- effective, widely used and better fit than the stock option
·         Custom: Custom fit, made from dental impressions for the highest protection. Recommended for athletes that play consistently, braces and previous dental injuries.

Choosing the right mouth guard is important.  The fit should be comfortable, stay in place without conscious clenching allowing for normal breathing and speech and cover the upper teeth.  Look for medical grade EVA that is certified to meet relevant sports safety standards. The thickness of the mouth guard allows for shock absorption to help prevent concussions.  Orthodontic mouth guards to accommodate braces are also available.

Practical Tips for Parents, Coaches and Athletes

·         Make mouth guards mandatory for practices, scrimmages and games for high-risk sports.
·         Educate teens on consistency of wear.  Many injuries occur in practice or accidental collisions.
·         Rinse with cold water after use and brush with toothpaste. Store in a ventilated case with name.
·         Keep extras on hand
·         Avoid exposing mouth guard to hot water, chewing or altering its shape.
·         Replace at first sign of wear, after significant dental changes or replace routinely from 6-12 month for active teens.

A missing tooth may be a badge of honor to our USA Hockey Players, but Jack Hughes said when asked about his smile “I’m lucky I’m from the best country in the world, and we’ve got the best dentists there, too.  I’m lucky I’m American, and they’re gonna fix me right up.”  Call your local dentist if you have questions about your teens smile, need for a mouth guard or any dental care needs.  Plainsboro Dental Care is a phone call away, 609-799-4422.