In a matter of seconds a sports injury can occur to the face or the mouth… Young children ages 5 to 14 are especially vulnerable, accounting for more than 80 percent of all sports-related emergency room visits (according to the CDC). Yikes!

April is National Facial Protection Month (NFPM) and orthodontists are encouraging athletes to wear mouth guards while participating in sports and other activities.

Many sports injuries can be prevented by wearing the proper protective gear. In addition to helmets and protective eye wear, mouth guards should be worn during contact sports. Mouth guards can help prevent jaw, mouth and teeth injuries and are less costly than repairing an injury (you can pick one up at the drug store for about $5!). They come in different colors too – pick one to match your team colors!

Does your child’s coach or sport league recommend wearing a mouth guard? Do you think they should?

Thanks!

Donna
American Pop - Digital Word of Mouth

By the way, I’m working with the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) – please let me know if you have any questions about how to protect your child’s smile or if you have any questions about orthodontists!

I just wanted to follow up my previous post with some more tips on facial protection & sports safety. A lot of injuries can be easily prevented by remembering to wear the proper gear: mouth guards for contact sports, helmets, protective eyewear, and face shields to avoid scratched or bruised skin.

Don’t forget to be alert even as a spectator (keep an eye out for fly balls & stray hockey pucks – ouch!)

Hoping everyone has a safe (& successful!) sports season!

__________________
Donna
donna@americanpopinc.com

Ask me about braces!