Mike Tyson's tooth gap has become part of the athlete-turned-celebrity’s signature look. During his two-decade career as a professional boxer, the former heavyweight champion has been known for both giving—and occasionally receiving—knockout punches. But the story of how he lost one set of front teeth is a bit more unusual.
In a recent interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Tyson's wife, Kiki, stated that one of the champ's major dental dilemmas didn't come from blows inside the ring. In fact, she said, Tyson lost the teeth after being head-butted by his pet tiger, Kenya. This incident added to the legend of Mike Tyson’s tooth gap, a defining feature of his unmistakable grin.
It's too bad Tyson wasn't wearing a mouthguard before he decided to play with kitty.
Mike Tyson's Tooth Gap and the Importance of Mouthguards in Sports
Fight fans know that boxers always put in a mouthguard before they enter the ring. But the pugilistic pursuit is just one among the two-dozen-odd sports for which the American Dental Association recommends the use of custom mouthguards. Others include baseball, skateboarding, surfing, and bicycling. (Maybe horsing around with tigers should be added to the list!)
Why is it so important for participants in athletic activities to use this piece of protective gear? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, sports-related dental injuries account for over 600,000 emergency room visits each year. Many of these injuries require further dental treatment; some may lead to tooth loss and require costly replacement. Not wearing a mouthguard makes an athlete 60 times more likely to sustain harm to the teeth, according to the American Dental Association. So there's really no contest.
Choosing the Right Mouthguard
You can find basic, off-the-shelf mouthguards in limited sizes at many sporting goods stores. But for a reasonable cost, we can provide you with a properly fitted dental appliance that's custom-made just for you. Starting with a precise model of your teeth, individual mouthguards are crafted from impact-resistant materials designed to be strong, comfortable, resilient—and effective.
Research shows that custom-made mouthguards offer superior quality and protection. So if you or your loved ones like to get out on the playing field, don’t neglect this important piece of sporting equipment. Mike Tyson’s tooth gap may be iconic, but most athletes would prefer to keep their teeth intact.
Even if you're not stepping into a boxing ring, protecting your smile is essential. Whether you play football, skateboard, or enjoy extreme sports, a custom mouthguard can prevent painful and costly injuries. After all, Mike Tyson’s tooth gap became famous for an unusual reason—most people would rather avoid a dental mishap altogether!
And watch out for the cat.
If you have questions about mouthguards, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine article “Athletic Mouthguards.”
