Oral appliances, frequently observed during professional basketball games, are protective devices worn inside the mouth. These custom-fitted or stock devices cushion blows to the face, minimizing the risk of dental and jaw injuries for athletes engaged in high-impact sports.
The utilization of these devices offers significant advantages, including reduced concussion risk, decreased incidence of tooth fractures, and support for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) stability. Historically, their adoption in basketball has grown alongside increased awareness of the long-term consequences of head and facial trauma in sports.
