PLAY IT SAFE! – Protect Your Children From Facial Injuries
During Sports!

Helmet – check.
Shin guards –check.
Shoulder pads – check.
Mouth guard - ?

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

Did you know?:

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 Centers for Disease Control.



Many sports injuries can be prevented by wearing the proper protective gear. Just remember these important tips:

* Wear mouth guards for contact sports. Mouth guards can help prevent jaw, mouth and teeth injuries and are less costly than repairing an injury.
* Wear a helmet. Helmets absorb the energy of an impact.
* Wear protective eyewear. Eyes are extremely vulnerable.
* Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin. Hockey pucks, basketballs, and racquetballs can do severe damage.
* Be alert even as a spectator. Alert spectators can avoid foul _base_balls and flying hockey pucks. Watch your step when climbing bleachers.

Protective gear can be another way to display your team spirit! Does your mouth guard match your uniform? Does it match everyone on the team? In recognition of NFPM, post photos of your braces & mouth guard sporting junior athletes with other parents to share! Show us your game face!

Thanks!
-Donna
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The California Association of Orthodontists is a resource for parents to learn more about orthodontic treatments and provides general tips on how to achieve healthy, beautiful smiles, get braces-friendly recipes, and find an orthodontist near you by using (_link_ removed). Why should you choose an orthodontist? Orthodontists receive an additional two-to-three years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth.

For more information, visit us on the web, Facebook, and Twitter.

Hey Moms! Did you know that for as little as $5 you can get a mouth guard? It’s the cheapest piece of protective gear you can get for your child! Better yet, see an orthodontist to get a custom-fit one.
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Donna Britain, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to check in and see if anyone had any questions about mouth guards, National Facial Protection Month or braces in general!

Feel free to send me an e-mail any time or post a reply here! I'm open to any inquiries!


-Donna
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Hello lovely parents!

I hope you're all doing well. Just wanted to remind you that if you have any questions-- about facial protection, finding the right orthodontist or braces-friendly recipes-- feel free to send me an email or reply here!

-Donna, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
(On behalf of the California Association of Orthodontists)