Play it safe this spring, from Dr. Dougherty

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries – especially mouth injuries – are common among kids, let alone teens with braces. In a 2009 survey, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest fear is that their child will get hurt while playing organized sports. That’s why Dr. Harry Dougherty and our team are helping spread the word that many facial injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards this spring.

This spring, don’t forget to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eyewear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant even as a spectator

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at our convenient Sherman Oaks office.