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. But 67 percent admitted that their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard when participating in organized sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer. That’s why Dr. Sellers is helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Sellers Orthodontics 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 Dr. Sellers is trying to achieve.
Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment here!
-Dr. Keith Sellers, orthodontist Charlotte NC
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Mouthguards last between a season and 2-3 years depending on the age of the player. Children up to the age of 15 usually require new mouthguards every year.
ReplyDeleteOlder children and adults may not grow, but the mouthguards will wear down, should be checked every year, and depending on usage may need to be changed.
Loose teeth are no problem either, once they fall out there will automatically be room from the old tooth for the new one.