Why wear a mouthguard?

Every year, dentists treat injuries caused by sporting accidents, due to people not wearing a mouthguard whilst playing contact sport.

Anyone who participates in a sport with a risk of a knock to the mouth should wear a mouthguard. 

This includes sports where contact is part of the game like boxing and rugby, but also collision sports where contact often happens but is not expected or allowed.  Examples of  these include football, basketball, hockey, water polo, lacrosse, netball, baseball, squash, BMX bike riding, horse riding, skateboarding, Ice skating, trampolining, cricket (wicket keeping or batting without a helmet), water skiing and snow ski racing.