The importance of mouth guards, with Orthodontic Associates

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. That’s part of the reason why our team at Orthodontic Associates is helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Drs. Ahman, Mayers and Janowski will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment. In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field this spring. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Drs. Ahman, Mayers and Janowski are trying to achieve.

Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Orthodontic Associates.