National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A mouthguard is specifically designed to protect the oral cavity, including the teeth, gums, and orofacial area, from trauma during physical activities such as sports. When playing softball, a mouthguard acts as a cushioning barrier that absorbs some of the impact forces that could result from falls, collisions, or the ball striking the face. This protection is crucial, as trauma to the orofacial region can lead to serious injuries, including fractures or dislodgement of teeth.

The other options, while they serve protective purposes in sports, do not specifically focus on the orofacial area. A face shield primarily protects the face from debris and impacts but does not provide the same level of protection for teeth and gums that a mouthguard does. A helmet provides head protection but does not cover the mouth and teeth, which are at risk during contact sports. Orthodontic wax is used to prevent irritation from braces and appliances but does not provide any significant protective function against trauma. Thus, the mouthguard emerges as the most effective and appropriate recommendation for safeguarding the orofacial area in this context.