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 Arctic athletic activity? Here are all of the winter sports that require mouthguards:

Hockey

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

Skiing and Snowboarding

Flying down the slopes with the risk of running into someone, hitting the hard-packed snow, or crashing into something 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.

Basketball and Wrestling

These winter sports are sans snow but pose all the risks for a facial injury. Close contact (like a flying elbow) with opponents can result in knocking out a tooth. 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’s always best to wear a mouthguard for any sport (competitive or not) that poses a risk for facial injury.