Posted on April 1, 2022
The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, Academy for Sports Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons have teamed up with parents, coaches and athletes to sponsor this annual campaign, which aims to educate and remind us of the importance of protecting our face and teeth against impacts and injuries. This month, the best orthodontist in Atlanta is spreading the word to remind both children and adults: as you suit up for outdoor activities this spring, don’t forget to protect your face and head. Spring often brings a flood of patients suffering with head, mouth and facial injuries resulting from sports-related accidents to doctors’ offices, emergency rooms and your Atlanta orthodontist’s office. No worries though because at Silver Smiles Orthodontics, we compiled a list of safety practices that should be exercised while you enjoy your favorite sports activities.
● Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports; if you have adult braces, or if your child is in orthodontic treatment, be sure you use a mouthguard designed especially for orthodontic patients. Even if you have clear braces, such as Invisalign aligners, a mouthguard is crucial for protecting your smile.
● Wear a helmet. Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by absorbing the energy of an impact.
● Wear protective eyewear. According to the Coalition to Prevent Sports Eye Injuries, protective eyewear designed specifically for the sport can prevent more than 90 percent of all eye injuries.
● Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin.
● Be alert – as a player or spectator!
Fun Fact: Athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to damage their teeth. Mouthguards are particularly important if you are in orthodontic treatment with your Snellville orthodontist. A minor blow to the face can be uncomfortable if you don’t have braces, but add metal to the mix and a minor blow to the face can leave you with abrasions and cuts inside your mouth from your soft tissue being pressed against the brackets and wires on your teeth. So be sure to visit one of our two locations for braces in Atlanta or braces in Snellville, or call your general dentist to ask about mouthguards.
No one knows smiles like the orthodontists at Silver Smiles. If you’re ready to get a smile that makes you want to smile, you’ve found the right solution at Silver Smiles Orthodontics.
If you’re in need of general dental work like cavity repair, teeth cleaning, caps, crowns or veneers, give us a call and we’ll be happy to refer you to an outstanding general dentist in your area.
