"Play It Safe" and Gear Up!

The American Association of Orthodontists and football great Emmitt Smith are encouraging kids to “Play It Safe” during organized and recreational sports.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,To reduce these numbers, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is proud to team with football great Emmitt Smith to spread the message that simple and inexpensive protective sports gear – such as mouth guards – can make a difference in preventing sports injuries.

Young athletes can protect their face and smile while playing with the following tips from the AAO:

• Wear a mouth guard. Mouth guards can help prevent jaw, mouth and teeth injuries caused by a collision or fall. For athletes with braces, discuss with your orthodontist the best type of mouth guard for your sport.
• Wear a helmet. Helmets absorb the energy of an impact, and should be worn for activities like biking, skateboarding and in-line skating. Visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website to learn helmet laws in your state.
• Wear protective eyewear. Eyes are extremely vulnerable to injury during sports like soccer, baseball and hockey.
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin. Hockey pucks, basketballs and racquetballs can do severe damage.

Also, keep in mind the following:

• Stretch before and after a game or practice. This can reduce the risk of pulling or straining a muscle.
• Be observant even as a spectator. Stay alert while watching a game to avoid foul baseballs and flying hockey pucks coming your way.
• Use good judgment. If an activity carries risk of dental or facial injury, gear up. Without it, a pick-up game of basketball or flag football could result in a trip to the emergency room.

Download a poster of Emmitt Smith and find additional tips and information about sport safety and the campaign, visit the AAO´s website at braces.org. To locate an orthodontist near you, click on "Find an Orthodontist" at braces.org, or ask your dentist for a referral.