Next Month (April) Is National Youth Sports Safety Month

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 Gonzales Orthodontics is helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards.. 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 make sure that your mouthguard is custom fit to ensure stability, retention, and functions properly.