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Taking care of faces

  • Published
  • By 375th Dental Squadron
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, pediatric dentists and orthodontists can attest, fall often brings a flood of patients suffering mouth and facial injuries resulting from sports-related accidents.

Wear Helmets
Whether riding a bicycle, scooter or motorcycle or playing baseball, soccer or lacrosse, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Association of Orthodontists urge everyone to wear a properly fitted helmet.

A well-fitted helmet should sit at the top of the head in a level position, covering the forehead. It should not rock back and forth or side to side. The chin strap should fit around the ear and under the chin comfortably.

How well do helmets work? In baseball alone, it is estimated that batting helmets with face guards may prevent or reduce the severity of nearly 4,000 facial injuries. Remember, a multi-sport helmet can be used for a variety of activities.

Mouthguards make a difference
According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children and high school and college athletes will lose more than five million teeth in sports-related accidents this year. Just by wearing a properly fitted mouthguard, many of these accidents and many other traumatic facial injuries could be prevented.

Consider the facts - in football, where mouthguards are required, less than 1 percent of injuries involve the teeth and oral cavity. Compare this to basketball which does not require players to wear mouthguards. Nearly 35 percent of basketball-related injuries involve the teeth or oral cavity. The American Dental Association estimates more than 200,000 oral injuries are prevented annually by mouthguards. Unfortunately, estimates show that only 7 percent of school-age children who play baseball, softball or soccer wear mouthguards all or most of the time and nearly 4,000 players require treatment by dentists each year.

An effective mouthguard holds teeth in place, resists tearing and allows for normal speech and breathing. Depending on your bite, it should cover either the upper or lower teeth as well as the gums.

Don't let an oral or facial injury sideline you
Be smart. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the American Association of Orthodontists encourage people to enjoy the pleasures of the season by using common sense and taking the necessary precautions to prevent sports injuries. Fall can be the best time for enjoying all of the outdoor sports. But facial injuries can make it downright cruel.

Below are 10 face-saving tips:

1. Wear a mouth guard in all contact sports. A mouth guard can help prevent jaw, mouth and teeth injuries.

2. Prevent head injuries by wearing a helmet whenever you're cycling or rollerblading.

3. Wear a face shield to avoid scratches or bruises while playing contact sport.

4. Watch out for children when they're around pets. Dogs play a part in 44,000 facial injuries in the U.S.

5. Always use the child safety seats for children under eight. Seatbelts save faces and lives and prevent brain damage.

6. Protect your eyes.

7. Be prepared for the baby and toddler crowd. Pad sharp corners on tables, lock cabinets and install stairwell guards to protect the faces of babies and toddlers.

8. Don't suffer injuries at sporting events. Be alert. Watch out for foul balls and flying hockey pucks. Take care when walking up and down bleacher stairs.