Tackling Kids´ Sport Safety with Football Great Emmitt Smith

Emmitt Smith, the American Association of Orthodontists and the National Alliance of Youth Sports team up to help raise awareness and increase the use of facial protection in youth sports

ST. LOUIS – According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), children are putting themselves at risk on the playing field while coaches and parents stand by on sidelines. In a recent survey, the AAO discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest fear is that their child will get hurt while playing organized sports, yet 67 percent admitted that their child does NOT wear a mouth guard during organized sports including football, basketball, soccer and lacrosse. To get the message out that simple and inexpensive protective sports gear – such as mouth guards – can make a big difference in reducing or preventing sports injuries, the AAO has turned to the pros. In February, the AAO will launch a Sport Safety Education Campaign at football’s biggest game with football great, father and sport-safety advocate, Emmitt Smith.