Dentist in Newport News
In honor of Facial Protection Month here are 5 quick tips to prevent facial injuries. The idea is to raise awareness and remind parents/caregivers, coaches and athletes to play it safe while playing sports. 10-39% of dental injuries from sports are caused by a direct hit with a hard object, such as a ball, puck or player to player contact, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Protective eye-wear is essential in keeping your sight safe.
Wearing a face shield will avoid scratched or bruised skin. Hockey pucks, racquetballs, and basketballs are just a few that can cause severe facial damage at any age.
Helmets are the second most important safety gear. They can absorb the energy of an impact and help prevent damage to the head. A helmet can save your life and is an essential for biking, riding a horse, and skating just to name a few.
The number one prevention is a custom mouth guard worn when involved in contact sports. Mouth guards not only protect the teeth and jaws but can also protect against injuries to the neck and central nervous system by decreasing the force transmitted through the jaw to the base of the skull. A custom mouth guard made by a dental professional is much less expensive than a dental emergency. Custom mouth guards will hold the teeth in place and still allow for normal speech and breathing. Custom guards help reduce risk of injuries to lips, tongues, and soft tissue in the mouth as well as guarding against chipped teeth, nerve damage to a tooth, even tooth loss.
Make protective gear mandatory for all sports and use common sense. If the activity carries a risk for injury, gear up. Without it a simple pick up game could end with you in the ER or an emergency trip to the Dentist. Be alert as a spectator at the games. Foul balls, hockey pucks, and even the bleacher steps can trip you up.
If you are interested in a custom mouth guard, contact our office and we will get the process started.
Keep that winning smile looking its best. Stay safe and have fun this spring!
Peninsula Dental Care, PLLC