April is National Facial Protection Month

April is National Facial Protection Month

          The American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons have joined forces to sponsor National Facial Protection Month. 

         From team sports like football, baseball and hockey to activities like roller blading and skate boarding, adults and children alike spend a lot of time and money gearing up for an active lifestyle.  One important piece of equipment-the mouth guard-is often overlooked.  The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation reported that athletes who do not wear mouth guards are 60 times more likely to damage their front teeth.  An American Association of Orthodontists survey found that 84% of children do not wear mouth guards while playing sports because they are not required to wear them.  At a time when football helmets or a hockey stick can cost upwards of $200.00 mouth guards can be one of the least expensive pieces of protective equipment.   Many athletes complain about the comfort of mouth guards being the reason they do not wear them.  We have provided pressure laminate mouth guards to our local athletes.  The fit is outstanding because they are made from a model of the teeth.  We customize these with the team colors and logos and place the name of the athlete embedded between the layers.  The athletes love them.  Contact our office for more information or visit our website, www.hineslyorthodontics.com