Why Mouth Gurads?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is encouraging kids to “play it safe” and consistently wear mouth guards and other protective gear during competitions and practices.

Football, soccer and basketball can all be hard hitting sports and the members of the AAO want to ensure that orthodontic patients, and their teammates, are properly protected from sports related injuries to the jaw and mouth. These injuries can include a lifetime of maintenance to repair and maintain.

Despite the risks, many kids are still not wearing mouth guards and facial protection during sporting competitions and practices. Parents, coaches and kids need to understand the prevalence of sports injuries and know that many sports injuries can be reduced or prevented by wearing the proper protective gear.

Facts About Kids and Sports Safety

Former football great and father of four, Emmitt Smith has teamed up with the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) to provide tips and information on how to best protect athlete’s smiles during recreational and organized sports.

Injuries can happen at any age or skill level – More than half of the seven million sports and recreation-related injuries that occur each year are sustained by youth between ages 5 and 24. *
Collision and contact sports have higher injury rates. Baseball, soccer, basketball and football account for about 80% of all sports-related emergency room visits for children between 5 and 14 years of age.*
Mouth guard use is very low – 67% of parents say their child does not wear a mouth guard – yet, 70% say their biggest fear when their child plays is that they will get hurt.**
One out of every four (27%) parents say their child has sustained an injury during an organized sport resulting in a trip to the emergency room.**
Most coaches and leagues are not advising the use of mouth guards – Of the parents whose children do not wear a mouth guard, 84% say it's because the league or coach does not require it.**
Hard hits occur no matter what the sport – The average high school baseball pitcher can throw a fast ball between 75-85 miles per hour. This compares to being hit in the mouth by a speeding car.***
Cheerleading is one of the most dangerous sports, accounting for 65% of all injuries in high school girls' athletics.****
Children with braces need to wear mouth guards – One out of every three (31%) parents say their child has orthodontic treatment or braces while playing an organized sport.*
Lacerations can occur if an orthodontic patient´s mouth is not properly protected.

* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
** American Association of Orthodontists
*** eFastball.com
**** MSNBC.com