Image Orthodontics Encourages Youth to Wear Mouth Guards during Vigorous Activity

SAN FRANCISCO - April 10, 2013 - PRLog -- As spring athletes lace up their cleats and suit up to play ball, Dr. Yan Kalika of Image Orthodontics wants to make sure they sport another important piece of equipment: mouth guards.  

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

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, according to Safe Kids USA and the American Academy of Pediatrics.  Furthermore, according to the American Association of Orthodontics, 31 percent of parents say their child is undergoing orthodontic treatment while playing an organized sport.

“Every year, I treat numerous people who have sustained mouth or jaw injuries that could have been prevented with the use of facial protection,” Dr. Kalika said.  “It is my priority to create further awareness of the essential benefits of mouth guards and prevent unnecessary injuries.”

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

Mouth guards are available at most pharmacies, or they can be custom made for ultimate protection.  For a mouth guard to be most effective, it is essential that it fit properly and stay in place during strenuous activity. Custom mouth guards offer the best fit and protection because they cover all of your teeth.  Call one of Image Orthodontics’ convenient locations to schedule an appointment to get fitted for a custom mouth guard.

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Image Orthodontics was founded in 2002 by Dr. Yan Kalika. The company has grown to 11 office locations throughout California, including five in the San Francisco area. More information can be found online at www.imageorthodontics.com or by calling (916) 419-9939.