The American Association of Orthodontists is among four organizations raising awareness of sports-related facial injuries throughout April.
Four healthcare organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), are promoting National Facial Protection Month in April to encourage the use of protective gear during spring sports and recreational activities. The initiative, led by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), aims to reduce preventable injuries to the teeth, jaw, and face.
The other collaborating organizations are the Academy for Sports Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Focus on Preventing Sports-Related Injuries
The initiative highlights the prevalence and cost of facial injuries in youth sports and recreational activities. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, an average of 22,000 dental injuries occur annually in children under 18, costing families between $500 million and $1.8 billion.
Data from the partner organizations also indicates a gap in protection. An AAO survey found that while 99% of parents believe children should wear mouth guards for organized sports, 37% reported that their child never wears one while playing.
“Spring sports and activities should be remembered for great plays and fun—not preventable injuries,” says Robert S. Clark, DMD, president of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, in a release. “A mouth guard and properly fitted protective gear are small choices that can prevent major problems. If you’re suiting up for the season, build facial protection into the routine from day one.”
Recommendations for Injury Prevention
The coalition urges parents, coaches, and athletes to incorporate protective equipment into their routines. Key recommendations include:
- Routine mouth guard use: Wear mouth guards for both practices and games, and replace them when they become worn or ill-fitting. Custom-fitted guards offer the best protection.
- Proper helmet fit: Ensure helmets for sports like football, cycling, and skateboarding are not loose, damaged, or outdated.
- Eye protection: Use sport-appropriate protective eyewear or goggles where there is a high risk of eye injury.
- Facial coverage: Use face shields or guards when available for sports where impacts from balls, sticks, or bats are common.
- Pre-activity safety checks: Confirm that all gear is in place and fitted correctly before play begins.
The organizations are encouraging the use of the hashtag #PlayItSafe on social media to share prevention tips throughout the month.
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