April is National Facial Protection Month

Many sports injuries can be prevented by wearing appropriate protective gear.  April is National Facial Protection Month and orthodontist Dr. Joshua Baum, wants to remind athletes, their parents and coaches to play it safe by wearing mouth guards and appropriate protective gear when participating in activities that could cause injuries.

Mouth guards are one of the least expensive pieces of protective equipment available.  Over-the-counter versions cost as little as $5.  Not only do mouth guards save teeth and protect jaws from breaks, Dr. Baum notes that mouth guards may also protect against neck injuries and central nervous system injuries by decreasing the force transmitted through the jaw to the base of the skull.  Mouth guards can only provide protection when they are worn, so Dr. Baum advises parents and coaches to remind youngsters to always use a mouth guard when participating in any activity during which the mouth could come into contact with a hard object or the pavement.

 “Athletes who wear braces should consult their orthodontist for a recommendation of the best mouth guard to wear during orthodontic treatment,” said Dr. Baum.

 Consistent use of other protective equipment is important too.  Helmets save lives and prevent head injuries.  They should be worn for activities such as bicycling, skateboarding or skating on in-line skates.  Helmet wear is mandated for many organized sports.  “Helmets should be worn for any activity that puts the head at risk,” Dr. Baum said.

Face guards, devices made of plastic or metal that attach to baseball helmets, help to prevent facial injuries as well.

 In the event of a dental injury, Baum Orthodontics offers these tips:

Broken tooth

• Clean the injured area and apply ice.
• Save the tip of the tooth (for possible reattachment) and call your dentist right away.

Knocked out tooth

• Locate the tooth; hold it by the crown (the wide part, not the pointed end/root).
• AVOID RUBBING THE ROOT OR TOUCHING IT.
  Rinse the tooth ONLY if there is a need to remove debris.
  Put the tooth back in its socket; cover with gauze or tissue and bite down to stabilize it.  Or briefly store the tooth in cold milk or salt water, or between the cheek and gum.
  Do not let the tooth dry out. A tooth may be saved if cared for properly and reimplanted within an hour.
• See your dentist immediately.

Because Baum Orthodontics is an advocate of preventing preventable injuries, we will provide mouth guards to youngsters. For more information, visit Dr. Baum’s Web site at www.baumbraces.com.