Tackling kids' sport safety, with The Smile Zone

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 The Smile Zone is helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us— Drs. Rob Andrew and Jerome Caouette 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. Rob is trying to achieve.

Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at The Smile Zone.

Under Armour Performance Mouthwear at The Smile Zone

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. With Under Armour Performance Mouthwear at The Smile Zone you can protect your smile for many years, and games, to come! Under Armour Mouthpieces are custom fit to the shape of your smile and offer superior protection and comfort. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at The Smile Zone.

The Smile Zone, helping you save face

Wouldn’t you believe it, it’s springtime and summer is just around the corner! At the Smile Zone, our team knows that the spring and summer months bring with them an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of kids damaging their precious pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult Drs. Caouette or Andrew for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse and many others.

We were reminded about the need to wear mouth guards after reading an article about hockey great Keith Tkachuk needing reconstructive surgery after taking a puck to the mouth. Tkachuk’s injury underscores the need for all athletes to use facial protection such as mouth guards while participating in sports.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment at our office. And don’t forget to ask us—Drs. Caouette or Andrew will be happy to provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at the Smile Zone.