Mouth Guards Recommended for Young Athletes

Each year more than two million teeth get knocked out in sport-related injuries, and countless braces and teeth are damaged or broken.

Although dental injuries are one of the most avoidable sports injuries, a study by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) found that 67% of parents said their children don’t wear a mouth guard during organized sports. The dental community is encouraging children and adult sports players to take simple steps to protect their teeth, jaws -- and smiles.

Local Orthodontists Dr. Andrew Chase and Dr. Robert Chavez of ARCH Orthodontics (www.archorthodontics.com) are joining the AAO of which they are long-time members to remind coaches and parents to be proactive in protecting kids’ teeth this sports season. One study shows that athletes are 60 times more likely to sustain damage to the teeth when not wearing a protective mouth guard. Research shows a correlation between use of mouth guards and prevention of some concussions. When appropriate, athletes should also wear helmets, protective eyewear and face shields.

Dr. Chase says, “A good mouth guard can be the difference between an injury and an almost-injury. Whether a young athlete has braces or not, we always recommend mouth guards as the least expensive piece of protective gear, especially in contact sports. Have fun and play hard -- without harming your gorgeous smile.”

Dr. Chase recommends that mouth guards be worn in sports in which impact, contact and collision are likely, including acrobatics, basketball, boxing, field hockey, football, gymnastics, handball, ice hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, roller hockey, rugby, shot putting, skateboarding, skiing, soccer, squash, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, and wrestling, plus baseball and softball infielders. Mouth guard should be worn during practices and competition.

As an added incentive to help young athletes protect their teeth during Fall competition, ARCH is offering a 25% courtesy discount on custom mouth guards that provide a secure, comfortable fit.

To schedule a free consultation (a $500 value) at any of ARCH’s 9 offices, call 1-800-28- SMILE, email smilemaker@archorthodontics.com , or visit www.archorthodontics.com. No-interest financing is available. ARCH is the Official Orthodontist of Miss Massachusetts. By Stanley Hurwitz / 508-269-0570 / stanhurwitz@gmail.com