Coolsmiles Orthodontics in Medford and Port Jefferson, NY (New York) is Tackling Kids Sport Safety Along With Emmitt Smith and the American Association of Orthodontics

    MEDFORD, NY, March 31, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Now that spring is here and the weather is warming, many school teams are out on the practice fields once again in Medford and Port Jefferson, NY getting ready for the 2010 sport season. The Coolsmiles Team is once again educating patients and parents on the importance of wearing mouth guards while playing sports both organized and in local pickup games with friends. This year they are promoting mouth guard wear on their Blog and Facebook for more exposure.

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, field hockey, soccer and lacrosse. Children today are placing themselves in danger on the playing field while coaches and parents stand by on sidelines, failing to reduce the possibility of preventable injuries.

Football great Emmitt Smith has joined forces with the American Association of Orthodontics and the National Alliance of Youth Sports (NAYS) to promote facial protection and sport safety. Their goal, along with CoolsmilesOrthodontics, is the hope that "Play It Safe" will become a mantra for youth sports. Watch the"Play It Safe" video created by the AAO on YouTube.

"As an orthodontist, my goal is to help patients achieve a healthy and beautiful smile for a lifetime of good dental health," commented Dr. Leon Klempner. "It is very upsetting when I see a beautiful smile I created ruined by an easily preventable sports injury."

Sports-related injuries are the leading cause of emergency room visits in 12- to 17-year-olds according to the Centers for Disease Control. The damage caused by a ball, puck or elbow to the face can be devastating. "Unfortunately, many parents, kids and coaches don´t realize the damage a ball or on-field collision can do until it´s too late," mentioned Dr. David Amram. "With more severe injuries when teeth are lost or fractured or jaws are broken the reconstruction process is very expensive and the child is condemned to a lifetime of repeated extensive dental care."

"Many kids complain they can't breathe or play as well when wearing a mouth guard, added Dr Amram. "However, parents and coaches are encouraged to stand firm on mouth guard wear. It is up to them to reinforce the importance of wearing a mouth guard and encourage kids to comply, whether they like it or not."

Why Use a Mouth Guard

Mouth guards are one of the least expensive pieces of protective equipment available. Over-the-counter versions may cost as little as five dollars, although custom-fit mouth guards offer greater protection. Also, not only do mouth guards save teeth from fracturing or total loss, they may protect a jaw as well from fracture or TMJ (temporal mandibular joint) injury. An orthodontist can recommend the best type of mouth guard for an athlete who wears braces.

"Teeth are constantly moving during orthodontic treatment," said Dr Klempner. "When wearing braces, a special type of mouth guard is required to allow the teeth to move. Some mouth guards will prevent movement of teeth and stop treatment." He continued to add, "If a patient is injured while playing a sport without a mouth guard, the braces can cause further damage to lips and cheeks. However, on a positive note, patients wearing braces are less susceptible to knocking a tooth out or fracturing it because the teeth are all wired together to reinforce them."

Wearing other types of protective equipment is important also. Many organized sports require helmets, which save lives and prevent head injuries. Face guards, devices made of plastic or metal that attach to baseball, football, and hockey helmets, also help to prevent facial injuries. To help parents and coaches, the AAO has four quick tips for keeping kids safe during sport activities.

1. Wear mouth guards during all organized and non-organized contact sports
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eye-wear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratches, abrasions, or bruised skin

Although mouth guards are recommended for all young athletes, they are a must for orthodontic patients during and after treatment to maintain the correction and beautiful healthy smile everyone worked so hard to achieve.

About Coolsmiles Orthodontics

Orthodontists Dr. Leon Klempner and Dr. David Amram of Coolsmiles Orthodontics provide expert orthodontic care in the Long Island, NY area offering the latest in state of the art braces and Invisalign for patients who don't want to look like they are wearing braces. They have two locations; 1645 Route 112 Medford, NY 631-289-0909 and 656 Main Street Port Jefferson, NY 631-928-9800. Contact either location for a complimentary new patient consultation. For more information, visit their website at www.coolsmiles.com or their blog www.bracesbycoolsmiles.com.

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