National Braces Survey

Dr. Rooney is going to be a guest on the “Hey, Coach Tony” show on ESPN 1510 radio this weekend at 9 a.m. You can also listen live via this link. Patients and parents are encouraged to call in with their questions to (855) HEY-COACH or (855)-439-2622.

The “Hey, Coach Tony” show is hosted by coach Tony Fiorino, and is a weekly call-in show for parents and coaches of youth athletes. Tony spent eight years as Director of the Center for Sports Parenting, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating parents, coaches and officials on the subtleties of the youth sports environment. He also wrote the book, “Kids in Sports: A Tactical Guide for Parents and Coaches. “

On this week’s program, Dr. Rooney will be interviewed about mouthguards, facial protection, and the importance of staying hydrated during athletic activities.

Did you know that dental injuries are the most common types of orofacial injuries in sports? How about the fact that orofacial injuries account for 34% of all sports injuries? It’s estimated that the use of a mouthguard prevents over 200,000 injuries per year in the US: and that’s just in football alone. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, more than FIVE MILLION teeth are knocked out in sporting events each year.

So what should one look for in a mouth guard? Tune in and find out!

Hydration during sports is also crucial. When you exercise, your muscles generate a lot of heat, as much as 20 times its normal temperature. Your body uses water and sweat to reduce its core temperature. As sweat evaporates, it cools the skin. Proper hydration is necessary to keep this process going. When an athlete becomes dehydrated, blood volume decreases, making the heart work harder and decreasing overall performance.

Do you have questions about mouth guards, sports, or hydration? Call in and ask!

Braces today are “cool” and—many would say—even “fun.” These were among the findings of a 2010 nationwide survey of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as In-Ovation, Incognito, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Serena Williams—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment with Dr. Sean Rooney, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited the orthodontic practice of Dr. Sean M. Rooney for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!