This month, in addition to every month after, we want you to know how important it is to protect yourself from facial injury. Every April marks National Facial Protection Month, which is dedicated to spreading awareness on oral and facial injury prevention. With spring comes nicer weather and many opportunities to go outside and play during either recreational or organized sport events. Unfortunately, many doctors are faced with an influx of patients who have endured head, mouth, and facial injuries due to sports-related accidents. Sports safety equipment including helmets and mouth guards can go a long way in protecting you from serious harm.
National Facial Protection Month is sponsored by many leading organizations, including the Academy for Sports Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Dental Association, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the American Association of Orthodontists.
The Academy for Sports Dentistry makes 5 recommendations to keep in mind when participating in sports:
- Everyone should wear a mouth guard for contact sports. Mouth guards help protect your teeth from fracture and damage by covering the surfaces of your upper and lower teeth. There are many different types of affordable mouth guards available. Your dentist can help you decide the best fit for you and also may offer customized mouth guards made in-office.
- Helmets are a great layer of protection. Helmets can help prevent damage to the head.
- Don’t forget to protect your eyes. Your eyes also need protection from damage, particularly when playing sports.
- Face shields can block out danger. Items including hockey pucks, footballs, and racquetballs can lead to serious facial injury when no facial shields are in the way to block them.
- Rally for mandatory protective gear. This National Facial Protection Month, spread the word about the importance of protective sports equipment for all sports!
Accidents happen, but it is necessary to do the best you can to help prevent them!
Research published by the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that the five most common causes of childhood injuries from most to least occurring were basketball, football, bicycling, playgrounds and soccer. Sports-related injuries can lead to not only pain, but also missed days of school/work, and costly medical expenses. Most importantly, these injuries can be prevented with the proper use of protective equipment. “Talk with your dentist about what kinds of activities your family enjoys and ask about ways to make sure their teeth and face stay protected,” noted Dr. Paul Nativi, past president of the Academy for Sports Dentistry.
This pandemic has impacted us all, but our community is indeed all stronger together. Our team at WDG always has your safety and health as our top priority, and we have implemented additional safety measures and equipment to help prevent the transmission of all infections, including COVID-19. Wellesley Dental Group has completely reopened since June 8th, 2020 for all dental procedures and cleanings! Thank you for entrusting your health and dental care to us at Wellesley Dental Group.
Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment.
Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist, Dr. Bahar Houshman and Dr. Marisa Reason is happy to help with your TMJ and orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs, Dr. Reisman would love to help, and our gum-specialist Dr. Singh can help with your gum-related concerns.
References:
https://www.academyforsportsdentistry.org/facial-protection-month
https://www.aaoms.org/media/april-is-national-facial-protection-month
https://www.aaoms.org/images/media/facial_protection_month/Baseball_Insta_1080x1080.jpg
https://www.aaoms.org/docs/media/facial_protection_month/treatment_of_facial_injury.pdf