College basketball fans are about to embark on one of the most intense, compelling and unpredictable three weeks in all of sports.
When it comes to March Madness, there will be upsets (you know… the ones that will completely ruin your chances in the office pool) and the Cinderella stories that will live on in the hearts of fans, players and coaches for years to come.
But one thing is certain – only one team will survive and be called National Champs!
With the fun and games about to begin, we thought there was no better time to share some facts about the NCAA tournament. Did you know?
>> The phrase “March Madness” was first coined in connection with the NCAA in 1982 when sportscaster Brent Musburger uttered it during his tournament coverage.
>> The chances of completing a perfect bracket are nearly impossible (Wallethub says your chances of nailing every pick are 1 in 9.2 quintillion)
>> Corporations lose nearly $1.9 billion as a result of non-productive workers during March Madness.
>> No bottom seed has ever unseated a top seed in the first round.
>> The lowest seed ever to win the tournament was #8 Villanova in 1985.
>> 2008 has been the most predictable tournament to date (it’s the only year all four No. 1 seeds—Kansas, North Carolina, UCLA, and Memphis battled it out in the Final Four)
>> 1939 was the inaugural year of the NCAA tournament and only eight teams competed for the title, with the Oregon Webfoots emerging victorious over the Ohio State Buckeyes.
But when it comes to March Madness (or any other sport for that matter) we have to emphasize the importance of protecting your teeth.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA) athletes who fail to wear a mouth guard are 60 times more likely to suffer injury than those who wear one.
Mouth guards protect the lips, tongue, and soft tissues, and they reduce the risk of chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage to a tooth, and of course, tooth loss. Children and adults who play contact sports should always wear a mouth guard.
But which one is best?
Stock mouth guards. These type of mouth guards are preformed, inexpensive and can be found at most sporting good stores and department stores. They cannot be custom fit, so they are bulky and make talking and breathing difficult. Dentists typically don’t recommend them because of their limited protection.
Boil and bite mouth guards. Available at most sporting goods stores, these offer a slightly better fit than a stock mouth guard, but they can still bulky and uncomfortable. They can be softened in boiling water and then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure.
Custom-fit mouth guards. Your dentist office or a professional laboratory will take an impression of your teeth and a mouth guard is then molded over the model using a special material. Custom-fit mouth guards provide the ultimate in protection and comfort.
Sports will likely come and go throughout your life, but you only have one smile! It’s important to do all you can to protect it. Your dentist can help you determine what type of mouth guard is best for you or the athlete in your family… just ask!
Dr. Potts is a gentle, caring dentist uses the most advanced materials and procedures available. He practices comfortable, health-centered dentistry, with a strong emphasis on getting to know each patient. In addition technical proficiency, Dr. Potts is a careful listener. He makes sure to understand what you want and will explain beforehand what treatment is best for your individual needs, along with all options available to you.
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