CHICAGO, Illinois – The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the recognized leader in children’s dental health, today emphasized the importance of National Facial Protection Month as part of the Dental Home Resource Center at www.aapd.orgduring the month of April.

National Facial Protection Month offers an opportunity for dental professionals to encourage their patients’ use of appropriate protective mouth gear when engaging in sports or other activities where oral injuries may occur. Mouth guards are one of the least expensive pieces of protective equipment available and can cost as little as $5 when purchased over the counter. Not only do mouth guards save teeth and protect jaws from breaks, mouth guards may also protect against injuries to the neck and central nervous system by decreasing force transmitted through the jaw to the base of the skull—a particularly sensitive area for small children.

Parents and caregivers can be encouraged to make mouth guards a required presence in maintaining a Dental Home for children. “By making children aware of the dangers intrinsic to participating in sporting events and activities without mouth guard protection, parents reinforce the concept of a Dental Home that extends beyond visits to the pediatric dentist. This can result in fewer injuries, allowing children to experience the excitement of sports safely,” said Dr. John Rutkauskas, executive director of the AAPD.

According to Dr. H. Pitts Hinson, AAPD president and pediatric dentist with 27 years of experience, repairing the problems that happen to unprotected teeth and jaws is uncomfortable for the patient and can cost thousands of dollars. He relates, “Mouth guards are a smart investment as part of a total Dental Home strategy that imparts optimum dental health for the entire family. In addition to regular visits to the pediatric dentist, avoiding sugary snacks, brushing and flossing, children who use mouth guards are building positive dental habits that will last a lifetime.”

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Association of Orthodontists, and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons sponsor National Facial Protection Month. For more information or tips on using mouth guards effectively, visit the Dental Home Resource Center at www.aapd.org, www.braces.org, or www.aaoms.org.

SOURCE: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

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