“Play It Safe!” Orthodontist Warns
Did you know:
- One-third of childhood injuries are sports-related.
- More than 3.5 million children ages 14 and younger get hurt annually playing sports or participating in recreational activities.
- Besides organized sports, tens of thousands of kids 5 – 14 are treated annually due to injuries from roller skating, skateboarding, biking and trampolines.
(Issued Summer 2017) — During National Safety Month, the National Safety Council helps Americans to prevent injuries by calling attention to common safety and health risks, and common-sense ways to protect themselves.
With the arrival of warm weather, Dr. Andrew Chase of ARCH Orthodontics,, with 9 offices between Boston and Cape Cod, recommends that anyone engaging in activities with the potential for collision, getting hit by a ball or other sports gear, or falling (as from a swing) is well-advised to protect one of the most important – yet most overlooked –parts of your body, the mouth and face. “This is true no matter your age and whether you wear braces or not,” says Dr. Chase
He says that, while organized sports teams don’t usually require mouth protection, the simple precaution is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontics of which Dr. Chase is a longtime member. “A mouth guard should be an essential piece of athletic gear, part of your standard equipment – to minimize risk of broken teeth and injuries to lips, tongue, face or jaw. And with braces, broken ones need to be repaired promptly to eliminate rough edges that can cut into cheeks and gums,” Dr. Chase says.
He says there are three ways to protect your teeth: (1) custom-molded mouth guard; (2) Helmet to protect teeth, mouth, face and head; and (3) Take care of your teeth to keep them healthy and strong with brushing and flossing. ARCH provides custom mouth guards for patients of any age. “It’s great to be active, but always ‘Play it safe,’” he smiles. “I urge parents to call today to pick up your child’s mouth guard – (781) 209-6776.”
ARCH, the Official Orthodontist of Miss Massachusetts, offers free initial consultation and interest-free financing. ARCH has 9 offices between Boston and Cape Cod.
– By Stanley Hurwitz / (508) 269-0570 / stanhurwitz@gmail.com
