Dr. Alan M. Gibbs Orthodontics Encourages Youth to Wear Mouth Guards during Vigorous Activity

HUNTINGTON, N.Y. - April 18, 2013 - PRLog -- As spring athletes lace up their cleats and suit up to play ball, local orthodontist Dr. Alan Gibbs wants to make sure they sport another important piece of equipment: mouth guards.  

Dr. Gibbs urges children and teens to wear facial protection gear when participating in vigorous activities, especially athletics.  Dr. Gibbs is seeking to raise awareness of sports safety and increase the use of mouth guards in children and youth sport activities.

According to Safe Kids USA and the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 30 million children ages 5-14 participate in sports each year— which is the primary cause of tooth loss in people under age 35.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that baseball, basketball and football account for about 80% of all sports-related emergency room visits for children between 5 and 14 years of age.

Mouth guards prevent:
•   Lip and facial laceration
•   Dental fracture
•   Tooth displacement
•   Jaw fracture
•   Concussion

Dr. Gibbs encourages parents and student athletes to be aware of the important role mouth guards can play in avoiding injuries during contact sports.  Wearing a mouth guard is especially important for athletes with braces – it protects the cheeks and lips from the braces and reduces the chance for lacerations in the mouth.  

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Dr. Alan Gibbs Orthodontics is located in Huntington, NY.  Dr. Alan Gibbs is committed to providing children and adults the highest quality orthodontic care with a friendly, highly-trained staff in a comfortable environment. For more information about Dr. Alan Gibbs Orthodontics and orthodontic treatment, visit www.drgibbsortho.com.