You’ve Only Got One Face

April is National Facial Protection Month

Photo provided by myoms.org

We would like to take a minute to remind you the importance of protecting yourself against injuries to you face and mouth while in braces.  

Even if you don’t play in a physical sport, protecting your smile while in braces is something you should be thinking about in any physical activity you do.  Research estimates that about 2 percent of all children or adolescents who participate in a physical activity will eventually suffer a facial injury severe enough to require medical attention. One little fall off your bike or skateboard could cause an unwanted trip to the oral surgeon.  So remember this one thing…mouth guards aren’t just for football players.

Photo provided by intelligentdental.com

Mouth guards cover the teeth and can cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and orthodontic appliances. A properly fitted mouth guard will stay in place and will be easy for you to talk while wearing it. Mouth guards can be purchased inexpensively at any sporting goods store…and these days they look pretty cool. They are offered in a wide variety of colors and designs and some even have straps on them so they stay with you if they fall out of your mouth. If you’re having trouble finding just the right mouth guard…ask us. We are here to help.

Mouth guards have been proven to significantly decrease the risk of oral injuries so you should always wear a mouth guard while playing sports or while doing any physical activity. Look at it this way…a mouth guard is less expensive than the cost to repair an injury to your mouth or orthodontic appliance.

You’ve only got one face…protect it!